The market for this year’s Supreme Novices Hurdle was blown apart by Ballyburn’s victory at the DRF (Dublin Racing Festival) and he is now best priced 13/8 for the curtain raiser. The talk beforehand of him being one of, if not the best Mullins novice elevated his reputation but a defeat on his return this season left many suspect of what talent this horse had. Any doubts that were hanging over his head, he answered in no uncertain terms as he was not only visually impressive but he made one or two clockwatchers go pale as he clocked a faster time than State Man in the Irish Champion Hurdle on the same course.
I’m not putting him up as the selection as the price is too skinny for me and there are plenty of shorties coming up in the next few pages so I’m keen to look for some value and I think I have found some in the shape of FIREFOX. Gordon Elliott’s horse was the horse who beat Ballyburn on seasonal reappearance, which seems to be forgotten, and with that in mind it is quite crazy to think I can back him at 12/1 to beat him again. He has disappointed since over 2m 4f where he had excuses but I think he will be much better suited to this 2m trip as he possesses plenty of toe. His bumper form stacks up and I saw enough in his hurdling debut to suggest he has the ability to win a Supreme which isn’t all that deep this year. Elliott has been nothing but complimentary about him and I quite like the fact he sends him straight here after his below par effort rather than try and get a confidence booster into him.
Denne historien er fra March 2024-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
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Denne historien er fra March 2024-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Tragedy Hits Racing Family - Nick Townsend reels from shock attack on John Hunt's wife and daughters
Nick Townsend reels from shock attack on John Hunt's wife and daughters. I will be far from alone in recent days in being overcome by emotions ranging from utter disbelief to revulsion upon hearing of the unspeakable acts perpetrated upon John Hunt's family, resulting in the death of his wife Carol and daughters, Hannah and Louise.
AUDIENCE IS ERUPTING
John Anthony reveals the latest top speedsters after another Glorious Goodwood
HORSE OF A LIFETIME
Graham Buddry pays fresh tribute to track legend Sea The Stars - surely one of the greatest ever
IT'S TIME TO TAKE STOCK
Paul Jacobs looks forward to seeing some big on-track questions answered
PLAYING TO THE WHISTLE
lan Heitman flies about to keep pace with a rush of two-year-old Flat action
WINNING JOY ON A BUDGET
Richard Eagle takes a trip to Windsor to check out peoples' route into the port of kings
GIFT HORSES AND FRENCH LESSONS
Robert Cooper finds 'retirement' is keeping him busy
FEUD GETS THE PARTY ROLLING
Karl Hedley savours the Galway Festival action and picks out the summer highlights at Ballybrit
ROCKING THE MONEY BAGS
Simon Nott reveals his recent experiences from trips to Brighton and Ascot
FLYING EVE'S BORN TO WIN
Nick Townsend talks to in-form trainer Eve Johnson Houghton