Spring into action
I
love this time of year: the winter behind us, the start of the new flat season.
Jump racing is a great spectacle but I prefer to bet on the flat. Consequently
during the dark months I bet mainly on the all-weather although inevitably I
find myself getting involved with the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand
National.
Unlike
2016, Cheltenham had been profitable, thanks mainly to a chunky bet on the
Irish to train most winners. This gave me an “interest” in most races and cut
down the race by race temptations as a result!
Leopardstown
8th April 2017: admission charges 15 euro (10
euro seniors/students)
We
were in Dublin the same weekend last year. When we reached Gowran Park on the
Saturday it was snowing. What a contrast at Leopardstown this year, it could
have been a summer’s day. What a pleasant journey: the 20-minute Luas Line ride
to Sandyford followed by the courtesy bus to the track.
The
card featured 2000 and 1000 Guineas’ trials as well as the Ballysax Stakes.
Last year Harzand won the latter before winning the Derby and the Irish Derby.
Jet Setting won the 1000 trial before going on to win the 1000 Guineas at the
Curragh.
Considering the
potential for seeing future Classic winners, the meeting was not particularly
well attended. The 2000 trial was won by Orderofthegarter – a 1-2 for AOB but
what did he beat and where will he run next? AOB had four runners in the
fillies’ equivalent and again was responsible for the 1-2. It was won by
Hydrangea, who had finished second in four of her last six starts. In the
Ballysax a family affair ensued with JOB’s Rekindling holding off his father’s
three runners stacked up behind him. Unlike last year perhaps we'd not seen a
Classic winner although OOTG was very impressive.

Orderofthegarter stretches clear of his rivals