Yesterday’s Review

1pt win Deed Pole – I was expecting much more from the selection yesterday. The lower performance on the clock (92) may have been down to the track and the slower pace, as he could only stay on at the finish. The race may also have come a little bit too soon, just eight days after Bath.

1pt win Spoof – An unlucky run from the 8-y-o yesterday, just going down by a short neck, after having to be taken back and switched over a furlong out. He did very well in the circumstances and may have been the winner without the interference. The race was the fastest on the card and a very strong speed figure of (111) was achieved.

0.5pt e/way Sunset In Paris – Our concerns about the ground were justified as the selection finished a well beaten eighth. It will be interesting to see how he performs back on a sounder surface.

Today’s Advice

Downforce (6F Handicap) this 11-y-o son of Fast Company finished fourth, running on well, last time out at Cork, over the minimum trip. A return to similar conditions, which he won under back in October, should see him in much better light at the Curragh (4.20) today. Despite being 4lbs out of the handicap, he still gets to race off a lowly mark of (68). While he began last year off a handicap mark of (99) the drop in the weights has been fully merited. However, his seasonal debut at the Curragh, and his effort behind Real Force at Cork have been indicating that there are still races to be won with him, especially on Heavy ground. With six career wins on his CV when the going mentions Heavy, and three of those at today’s venue, a case can easily be made for another big performance. Jessica Maye takes the ride again and we will be hoping for a second career victory for the young apprentice. The form ties in well with Hurricane Ivor, who finished third at Cork, but I would question his true love for Heavy going. The Willie McCreery trained gelding looks the value today with conditions in his favour.

0.5 pt e/way Downforce (14/1 4 places Betvictor)(12/1 4 places General) Curragh 4.20