Thurles – Thursday 18th November

Sometimes one has to hold their hands up and admit to a poor day at the office. Despite Emitom going within a neck of scoring at Hexham, the other two selections were painfully disappointing and left us with a blank day for the first time in a while. As much as there are some nice pieces of racing around today, it doesn’t look filled with betting opportunities – so bear that in mind if having a play. I have narrowed it down to two selections at Thurles – which hosts a good seven race card. 

Starting with the 1.00 race, which looks the best race on the card in terms of quality and despite there only being 5 going to post in this 3m novice hurdle, you could actively make a case for any of the five. I’m slightly surprised by the market for this race, as I would have thought some of the horses would be in different positions in the market. With that being in mind, I’m more than happy to take a play on Mr Josiey Wales – who comes in here with more of a chance than his price would suggest. Having come second to Noble Yeats in a maiden hurdle last year, he went and delivered in a maiden hurdle himself. 

His comeback run, when third in a Grade 3 at Cork was a good effort, and while this is a tricky race, he is more than worth his position in this field. Churchstonewarrior and Idas Boy are obvious dangers in this race, especially given they both won their maiden hurdles well last time out. However, preference is for the Dermot McLoughlin trained runner, who brings a decent level of form to the table and should be suited by these conditions. At a best price of 11/2 with Paddy Power, I’m hoping he can do the business. 

The following race is the 1.30 in the card, and is a 2m7f maiden hurdle for mares and although plenty are in this with a chance, they all have a little bit to prove. Humble Glory has been disappointing of late and has stamina doubts, while Steak and Onions’ jumping left a lot to be desired at the business end of the race at Clonmel. Instead, I will be siding with Broomfield Hall – who although one has to look past her previous run, when third at Tramore, arguably brings the best prior form to the table of all these runners. 

Broomfield Hall was a good bumper winner last year, when having Steak and Onions well down the field behind, before finishing a good second to Party Central on her hurdling bow. Although that rival failed to fire in graded level last time out, the form still looks promising, especially in the context of this race. Broomfield Hall is 11/2 with 888Sport, which I will be backing each way.