Saturday Irish Racing Tips: Back Jetz To Fly Home

13:10 Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle

I’m keen to look beyond the market leaders here, and Jetz looks a bit of value for the Jessie Harrington stable which could be set for a big weekend. He’s come up short a couple of times at pattern level, but has established a solid level of form backed up by his speed figures, and this is not a Grade 1 on paper.

13:45 Coral Dublin Chase

Min hardly set the world alight when first past the post here at Christmas, and was rightly demoted for interfering with Simply Ned, but he remains open to a fair bit of improvement as he learns the ropes over fences, and he is confidently expected to make amends. He’s deemed the stable’s second string by the odds compilers, and Yorkhill may be the more naturally talented, but that rival is becoming harder to trust, and while he will benefit from a drop in trip after getting stuffed in the Christmas Chase here, a similar display won’t be any help even at this trip. He must settle much better if he’s to fulfil his potential, but the bottom line is that he is becoming less, not more tractable with experience, and needs to be treated with a degree of caution nowadays.

14:20 Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase

A couple of early favourites look vulnerable, and Petit Mouchoir finished ahead of Footpad in the Champion Hurdle last March, but the latter has made a spectacular transition to fences, and looks impossible to oppose, even if his old rival is fully fit, which must be doubtful. Nothing else should even get a look in.

14:55 Coral Sandyford Handicap Chase

This looks a nightmare at first glance, but on closer inspection, the chances of Tully East are crystal clear. Winner of the Centenary Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham in March, he is clearly well suited by the demands of big-field handicaps, which suit his stalking style. He is also a sound jumper with a touch of class, and his trainer is enjoying a good season. The selection travelled best in the BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November, but found his stamina stretched in the testing conditions. The drying turf and shorter trip will suit here, and he looks certain to run a big race.

16:05 Coral Hurdle

Low Sun was an excellent second in a novices’ handicap over C&D late last year, and looks the type to improve further given that was just his third start over hurdles, and although he will be sporting the third colours of Rich Ricci, he isn’t far down the pecking order in terms of form, and looks too big a price with all things considered.

Bets:

1.10 Back Jetz to win
14:55 Back Tully East e/w
16:05 Back Low Sun e/w