Thurles – Thursday 10th February

It was not quite the day I had envisioned at Fairyhouse yesterday, with the three selections running very much under par but that can easily happen when you’re backing at big each way prices. One has to dust oneself down and go again, and the racing at Thurles this afternoon gives a perfect opportunity to do that. There might not be massive amounts of betting opportunities on offer, but I have highlighted two horses that have to have a chance in their respective prices. 

The first selection comes in the 2.20 race, which is a 2m handicap chase and sees a few of these horses arriving in some decent form. There is no horse more deserving of a win than Nelly’s Money, who has knocked on the door twice in succession now over fences and deserves a day in the sun. She has risen up the weights by four pounds since coming second in those two races, however enlisting Jack Foley to claim five pounds negates that rise and also gives the horse a cracking chance. She ran a very funny race last time out at Fairyhouse, when looking like the winner all round until being picked up by a well backed and well handicapped Tony Martin runner. 

There doesn’t look to be a joker in the pack such as that on this occasion, and if she can replicate the form she has brought to the table on her last two starts, it’s hard not to see her bang there. The price is a stumbling block, as one might like to see a bit more squeeze from the price to have an each way swing at her, but that’s not to be on this occasion. However, with everything in her favor to run well, a price of 4/1 with Bet365 seems more than fair.

The 4.30 race is another handicap hurdle and this 80-95 rated race does not have any superstars, and plenty of these are still looking for an elusive first victory. One such member of the field that fits that bill is Shean Glory, who has long since been in the tracker ever since an eye-catching fourth on her handicap debut. That was around 18 months ago, and she has yet to reward her followers, despite a good effort last time out and some very solid efforts on other occasions. 

It seemed like she benefitted from a positive ride last time out when going from the front at Limerick, only to be mowed down late by a well treated rival. That was over 2m though and she now steps up nearly a mile in trip and one would have to assume a return to her more conventional hold up tactics will be employed on this occasion. Mike O’Connor is enlisted to do the steering, which is a likable booking given the tune he got out of this mare last time out and hopefully that can be repeated on this occasion. At a price of 5/1 with William Hill, who are offering 5 places, she looks like a strong each way bet.