that the winner will be trained in Ireland, hardly surprising as the
first seven in the betting are Irish trained. I think that last year’s
winner Hardy Eustace has the best claims of the Irish and that Back in
Front is next in line. However, I’m not convinced about Harchibald or
Mac’s Joy and believe that Brave Inca and Essex are more dangerous
opponents. I backed Rooster Booster when he won in 2003 and again when
he was 2nd last year. He hasn’t won for over a year but has been making
the running this year, which clearly isn’t the way to ride him. However
this has kept him fit enough and although not guaranteed to get the end
to end gallop which really suits him, he may still have enough in his
favour to repel the raiders this year and regain his title. I certainly
hope so. I see him leading home Hardy Eustace and Back In Front.
The meeting gets underway at 2.00 with the Supreme Novices Hurdle.
Again the Irish have a strong hand here. I like the credentials of
Publican in this event. He has improved with each run and I can see him
getting on top on the run from the last. His biggest dangers would
appear to be his fellow Irish raider Justified and the home trained My
Way De Solzen who would have an even better chance should the course
get some rain.
The Arkle Chase at 2.35 looks good for my main bet on the opening day,
War Of Attrition. He was second in the Supreme Hurdle last year and
can go one better in this event. He has taken really well to chasing
and as long as he has normal luck in running I can see him winning
well. Ulaan Baatar, Watson Lake and the injury prone Ned Kelly can
follow him home.
Colour Life has taken on a new lease of life since being transferred to
Paul Nicholl’s stable and he must have an excellent chance in the
competitive handicap chase at 4.00.
SELECTIONS
CHELT 2.0 PUBLICAN
CHELT 2.35 WAR OF ATTRITION
CHELT 3.15 ROOSTER BOOSTER
CHELT 4.00 COLOURFUL LIFE
CHELT 4.40 COMMANCHE WAR PAINT
CHELT 5.20 MARALAN