Mystical Power © Photo Healy Racing
Following an outstanding weekend of racing filled with high-class performances, we look at interesting Irish entries abroad this week.
2.10 Musselburgh Thursday, CMS Cameron McKenna And Close Brothers Handicap Hurdle, 1m. 7f. 124yds
Connections of Alphonse Le Grande were successful in their recent appeal against his disqualification from first place in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket last month and he was reinstated as the winner. Apprentice jockey Jamie Powell was deemed to have used his whip 10 times in the closing stages, four more than the permitted allowance, however an independent British Horseracing Authority disciplinary panel concluded that one of Powell’s strikes was not intentional.
This controversy has somewhat taken away from the tough performance Tony Martin’s winner displayed on the Rowley Mile. All six of his career wins have come on the flat but his hurdle rating would significantly underestimate his ability and he could be chucked in here. His trainer is operating at a 25% strike-rate over the last 21 days.
2.30 Newbury Friday, Coral 'Daily Rewards Shaker' Handicap Chase, 2m. 3f. 187yds.
Six-year-old Stuzzikini was last seen winning the Grade 3 Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan, when picked out at 20-1 by trainer Gordon Elliott as his best chance in the race. He finished well that day to score by 2.5 lengths ahead of stablemates Yeah Man and Perceval Legallois. He would be stepping back in trip to 2m4f and carries a 6lb penalty.
2.10 Newcastle Saturday, BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle (Grade 1), 2m
With Constitution Hill out of the contest and Sir Gino likely to head the market for the Fighting Fifth, Mystical Power will be well fancied to serve it up to Nicky Henderson’s promising young contender. The son of Annie Power has won five of his six outings, including two Grade 1 contests. Also entered in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle on Sunday at Fairyhouse.
A tough mare who got the better of ten-time Grade 1 winner State Man in Sunday’s Grade 1 Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown. Unlikely to run following Sunday's stunning victory.
3.00 Newbury Saturday, Coral Gold Cup Handicap Chase, 3m. 1f. 214yds.
Current favourite for the feature race in the UK this weekend at around 6-1, this talented staying chaser won his last outing at Cheltenham in October for trainer Henry de Bromhead over 3m1f. A long break and first-time cheekpieces helped last time following a disappointing performance in the Irish National when well fancied. The long term aim for him is the English Grand National.
Short-priced favourite for the Munster National when readily turned over by Reel Steel and is currently a 10-1 shot for the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday. He has recorded three career wins to date with two of those coming over fences. Has been fairly consistent for trainer Willie Mullins and owner Rich Ricci and will be up in trip here. Also entered in the Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase on Sunday at Fairyhouse.
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