Jamie Clark was Sports Editor of Coral bookmakers between 2014 and 2017 during their merger with Labrokes and a key period for the British betting industry. Working as a bookie’s runner on the point to point circuit in the Midlands and at Market Rasen Racecourse where his late godfather had a trackside pitch growing up, he has had ties to horse racing all of his life. A regular visitor to Cheltenham during the National Hunt season and York over the summer, he has been involved in Horsebetting.com since its inception. Jamie now brings you his take on major news stories from the racing world and those all-important betting tips.
Flooring Porter the NAP on Punchestown Festival Thursday
In the big race on Punchestown Festival Thursday, the 3m Grade 1 Champion Stayers Hurdle (17:25), it’s hard to look past Flooring Porter. Trained by Gavin Cromwell, this six-year-old has taken his form to a whole new level this season. He seeks a hat-trick at the highest level following wins at Leopardstown and Cheltenham.
I thought Flooring Porter caught his rivals on the hop over Christmas. However, he proved that was no fluke when following-up in the Stayers’ Hurdle. He has progressed out of handicaps and is now rated 28lb higher than the mark he won at Navan off. Flooring Porter bolted up by a dozen lengths that day despite not hurdling fluently.
After brushing up on his jumping since, Cromwell supplemented the Yeats gelding for Leopardstown. His six-length victory there set him up for Cheltenham, where he again hurdled well. Flooring Porter made all the running and landed the spoils unchallenged in really taking style.
The only downer was regular jockey Jonathan Moore not being able to take the ride. He is back aboard now, however. I also feel fellow Cheltenham Festival winner Mrs Milner could go well at a big price despite her lowly rating. As his main market rivals all have questions, Flooring Porter can go in again at 15/8 with Boylesports here.
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In the Listed 2m mares novice hurdle later on Punchestown Festival Thursday (19:05), there is no reason why Magic Daze shouldn’t confirm the Dawn Run form from Cheltenham. She chased home Telmesomethinggirl in that Grade 2 contest last month and now drops down in class slightly.
Trained by Henry De Bromhead for Robcour, Magic Daze was about four lengths clear of Skyace in fourth, who has since won at the highest level at Fairyhouse. Re-opposing pair Gauloise and Hook Up were beaten much further in-behind at Cheltenham, albeit shaping better at the Easter Festival.
The form looks strong because Skyace still beat that Willie Mullins trained pair. After just three starts under Rules, Magic Daze should be open to plenty of further improvement. She is much less exposed than a number of rivals here. The potential improvers are Bigbadandbeautiful and The West Awaits.
However, the former was not fluent on her hurdles debut for Denise Foster. The West Awaits, meanwhile, has won over further and longer trips may suit her better. Taking all that into account, I think Magic Daze can go one better and odds of 2/1 with William Hill look fair as a result.
Janidil an each-way alternative to Energumene in Ryanair Novice Chase
In the other Grade 1 on Punchestown Festival Thursday, the 2m Ryanair Novice Chase (18:35), Energumene is the odds-on favourite to make it four from four over fences. There’s no value in his price, though, so stable companion Janidil, who appreciates a sounder surface, looks a good each-way alternative instead.
I’ve followed this JP McManus owned seven-year-old over the last couple of seasons closely. Most of Janidil’s wins have come on sounder surfaces since joining Mullins. While he does act on softer going, the way he went clear en route to Fairyhouse Gold Cup glory last time out was very taking.
Janidil finishing third to Colreevy on his previous completed Grade 1 start doesn’t look too bad either. Captain Guinness rates the main danger to Energumene, according to the betting, but he’s an unlucky horse. De Bromhead has never been able to consistently get the best out of him.
Dropping Janidil back to 2m is very interesting off the back of his Fairyhouse triumph. He stays further, which is an obvious plus. If you’re looking to play one each-way against Energumene, or looking for value in the without the favourite betting, Janidil is my recommended punt at 7/1 with Betfair in this.
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