Followers of this column narrowly missed out on an exacta on Thursday but were still rewarded with two winners from two races, two out of three suggested bets. We have a five race card on offer from Newturf Virtual Racecourse on Friday but we will be focusing our attention on the two hurdles events, the El Triunfo Hurdle and the Starluck Hurdle.
The Grade 3 El Triunfo Hurdle (20:10 Newturf) does not look as competitive as might be expected but we do still have a couple of the highest class performers in the shape of Golden Ball and Lermontov. Lermontov clearly has stacks of ability, as demonstrated by his win in the Zaiyad Hurdle a few days ago. However, this quicker ground is not likely to be in his favour and even if that were not the case he would still struggle to cope with Golden Ball. Golden Ball has always looked a class act in his short career so far and a big race success is perhaps overdue. The blinkers will be on today and he will make a worthy favourite but he might just be a touch skinny in a race where he might not have everything his own way. It could be worth taking a chance on Jemchipsa Diamball. This filly is no slouch either and is not too far behind Golden Ball based on their meeting in an HHHC Qualifier earlier in the season. That took place on good ground and there are other pieces of form that suggests Jemchipsa Diamball will be right at home on this faster surface. Golden Ball may well win but a little each-way on Jemchipsa Diamball might just pay off.
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In the Starluck Hurdle (20:20 Newturf) it could be argued that Princess Genghis and Talisman Jam might have the race between them but I fancy something less exposed could test them. Of that pair, Princess Genghis will be most at home on the firm ground but there is no doubt Talisman Jam is top notch and I would expect him to come out on top. As with the previous race though, it might be worth taking on the favourite each-way with something a little more speculative.
Chine fits the bill. This colt has shown considerable improvement for his new owner this season and wasn’t too far behind Talisman Jam when third in an RTC Qualifier recently on soft ground that will have suited neither. In fact, it could be said that Chine was even more inconvenienced by conditions than his rival was. That won’t be a problem today though and with recent racing patterns, coupled with the application of blinkers, suggesting Chine could be attempting a maximum drive he stands every chance of testing Talisman Jam to the limit. It is also worth mentioning the Menne horse, Angus des Murailleswho should also not be underestimated and so the suggestion is to back Chine each-way.
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Jemchipsa Diamball each-way (El Triunfo Hurdle, 20:10 Newturf.) Combine with Golden Ball for the exacta.
Chine each-way (Starluck Hurdle, 20:20 Newturf.) Combine with Talisman Jam and Angus des Murailles for the exacta.
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You can place a bet here. Betting is open to residents of UK and Ireland only.
