Please see my three picks for Sunday below:
Novano – 2.15 Tramore – 2M Handicap Hurdle – 66/1 Skybet – 1 Point Each Way.
The 9 year old, Ex-German gelding, Novano was Listed class on the flat postmarking a high of 105 over middle distances and was bought by Irish connections to go jumping.
He achieved 115 in his maiden hurdles back in 2017 and was consistently postmarking around 110 during 2018. Unfortunately he suffered an injury which kept him off the track for almost two seasons, only returning after lockdown in July 2020.
As with most long term injuries horses can take multiple runs to regain full fitness and wellbeing.
Novano ran three times in 2020 and progressed with each run without ever troubling the judge before having the winter off.
He changed to W J Burke’s yard during 2020 and must been showing something at home as he opened up at 7/1 on his 2021 debut and was backed into 9/2 but faded late on. The post-race write up indicated Novano was still carrying condition, so this was a promising first run.
Novano didn’t have much luck on his subsequent three starts, slipping up independently, then also being hampered two starts back before running on. He was backed on three of his last four starts and staying on from the rear far too late.
On his latest start connections sent him novice chasing, where he drifted in the betting, and Philip Enright gave him a classic education ride out the back. From a wellbeing point of view this was a nice outing and in time I’m sure he will get a low chasing mark that can be exploited.
I think Novano is quite a tricky ride and has to be delivered late. When there was money for him they used Darragh O’Keefe and also an inexperienced 7lb claimer, but I feel neither positioned him well enough to get the win.
However today connections bring in 7lb claimer Jack Foley, who you know I rate. He was on Aunty Audrey for us on Friday and gave her a great ride, judging the pace well to pick off the leaders going into the final hurdle. I feel a similar ride is what is needed today.
Novano is now down to a handicap mark of 86 from a high of 112 (before his injury). He has already postmarked 96 this year, off a handicap mark of 90 (no claimer on board). With Jack’s 7lb claim Novano runs off a net 79 today and so has every chance.
Novano rates exceptional value at 66/1 with Skybet who also offer 5 places in this 16 runner field, and I recommend 1 point each way.
He is still value at 16/1.
Ernest Loring – 2.05 Dundalk – 1 Mile Handicap – 33/1 Boylesports – 5 Places – 1 Point Each Way.
The 3 year old Ernest Loring has an intriguing profile. He started off at Dundalk as a 2 year old, running down the field in 5F & 6F maidens, but still managed to postmark 60 & 57.
He received his handicap mark of 54 and was then stepped up markedly in trip on his handicap debut to 1m 6F, which wasn’t an obvious choice on breeding, and he trailed in 13 of 14 runners.
The son of Red Jazz was brought back in trip to 1m 2F for his next two starts and started to show hint at ability. He is a keen sort and pulled his way to the front going 10 lengths clear before fading 1F out.
He ran a really eye-catching race last time out in a claimer where he was badly off at the weights (went off a 200/1 shot) and after blowing the start losing 8 lengths, he stayed on strongly in the last two furlongs to only go down by a fast diminishing 5 lengths.
That was over 7F, and the extra 1 furlong is bound to suit.
He runs off a mark of 50 today and has a real jockey upgrade as the very good Wayne Lordan takes over from the stables 10lb claimer (who has ridden the previous 4 starts).
He looks a good bet at 33/1 with Boyles who offer 5 places and best odds guaranteed.
I recommend 1 point each way.
He still looks value at 20/1.
Eloy D’Amerval – 1.30 Dundalk – 1 Mile Handicap – 15/2 Bet365 – 2 Point win.
The owners of Eloy D’Amerval are well known for punting there horses and they look to have been lining this one up for a touch for some time.
Eloy is down in the weights and it’s just a question of time when they truly go for the win.
Well today looks like they are really giving it a go as they have brought in top jockey Colin Keane and applied the tongue tie and blinkers.
Eloy is so well handicapped that he could bolt up today, it’s just a question if connections truly want it and there money is down
I have put Eloy up before and he has drifted violently and lost. But I cant leave him alone today when we can currently get 15/2 with Bet365 who also offer best odds guaranteed.
I’m not suggesting an each way play as he is either going to win easily or finish down the field. So I recommend a 2 point win.
He is still value at 5/1.
