Two stars to shine on final day

Ruby can finish week in style


Friday
THE final day of a hectic week gets underway with the Triumph Hurdle where I think Secant Star looks the class horse of the race. I also liked the look of Gary Moore’s Orzare when he won at Newbury over Christmas. He is still unbeaten and looks over priced at 33-1.
The Albert Barlett Hurdle has attracted a quality field and the top three in the market, Tell Massini, Enterprise Park and Restless Harry all look very good.
Tell Massini is many people’s idea of ‘bet of the week’ but I think Enterprise Park’s performance at Christmas was hugely impressive. He beat a very talented horse of Colm Murphy’s called Quito de la Roque by five and a half lengths and of the three market leaders, he seems the likeliest to handle good ground as he won his bumper on decent ground at Gowran Park.
The Gold Cup will once again be an intriguing battle but it’s virtually impossible to look past Kauto Star who, if anything, is in the form of his life, and can give Ruby Walsh a memorable four-timer on the last day of the Festival.
I can’t see Denman having enough time to recover his confidence enough to bring his ‘A’ game and Cooldine might not be as good as people think. He won a very ordinary RSA last year so I confidently predict that Imperial Commander will give Kauto Star most to do and is the one for the ‘forecast bet’.
The other races on the last day of what is sure to be a memorable week can go to Tito Bustillo in the County Hurdle, while the talented Dun Duire seems to have been rejuvenated since going hunting for little-known trainer Sam Curling and can run a big race in the Hunter Chase.
There has also been a strong whisper for Gordon Elliott’s Meath All Star in the Martin Pipe Conditional Handicap and he certainly looks in with a big shout. In the final race of the Festival, the Grand Annual, Copper Bleu can taken advantage for Philip Hobbs off a nice weight. Enjoy what is sure to be a week to remember.

SELECTIONS
Friday

• 1.30 - Secant Star
• 2.05 - Tito Bustillo
• 2.40 - Enterprise Park (nap)
• 3.20 - Kauto Star
• (Imperial Commander (ew)
• 4.00 - Dun Doire
• 4.40 - Meath All Star
• 5.15 - Copper Bleu