3.15pm Thurles Tips & Betting Preview 25/02/2016

Acapella Bourgeois has already proven he can get competitive in Graded company and is respected but slight preference is for OUR DUKE, who didn’t look a natural hurdler when winning a Leopardstown maiden on his debut in this sphere but certainly has a very good engine and has plenty of scope to progress if his jumping improves. Edwulf and Nambourare also good prospects.

Tip: Our Duke at 7/4

ACAPELLA BOURGEOIS – Improved to win Leopardstown maiden (2m4f, heavy) in December, his second start over hurdles and proved he can be competitive in Graded company when runner-up back there last month; Ruby Walsh takes over today; likely to pose a potent threat.

EDWULF – Soundly beaten in a bumper on rules debut but was unlucky not to win a beginners’ chase at Navan (2m1f, heavy; in command when fell) in December and gained compensation when switched to hurdles at Naas (2m3f, soft to heavy) last month; up in class today but progress likely.

NAMBOUR – Point/bumper winner who justified short-priced favouritism with minimal fuss in big-field Fairyhouse maiden (2m2f, soft to heavy) on hurdle debut in November; comfortably held when upped to 3m for a Grade 2 event in December but could still have a good future; tongue-tie added.

OUR DUKE – Went close in a Listed bumper in December and created good impression when defeating a Willie Mullins-trained hotpot to score on hurdle debut at Leopardstown (2m4f, soft) last month; could easily have lots more to offer if jumping with more fluency here.

ROAD TO RESPECT – Impressed in a point last year but was beaten on first three starts over hurdles and had to work hard to win 2m6f course maiden this month; can build on that success but will need to take a good step forward to land this prize.

myracing Forecast Prices: 9/4 Acapella Bourgeois, Our Duke, 4/1 Edwulf, Nambour, 10/1 Road To Respect

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