‘He’s got a record to defend’ – unbeaten Joseph O’Brien aiming for 444-1 treble 💯

Flat racing returns to Thurles on Thursday for the first time this year. Joseph O’Brien was unbeaten at the track in 2021. All three of his runners won which leaves him with a record to defend now. The two-time Melbourne Cup winner sends four up from his County Kilkenny base. Sadly the 100 per cent record is guaranteed to go down as he runs two in the same race but he can still make it seven out of eight. These four runners have to go under consideration. When combined, they form a monster 444-1 treble. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

2.00 Thurles

Skyquake (10-1, Paddy Power) is owned by his mother and makes her debut here. This well-bred filly is out of a Galileo mare and by the late Zoffany who has done well in recent years. The mile trip should be fine as his dam stayed 1m4f so this looks like a good starting point. O’Brien has already had 23 juvenile winners this season and this could be the 24th.

2.35 Thurles

Rattle and Hum (8-1, bet365) showed plenty of promise on debut over 7f when a staying-on third. It was a big ask in a valuable sales race last time for such an inexperienced horse. Has seemingly been returned to calmer waters here and this looks like a great opportunity to get back on track. Stepping up to a mile should be a massive help and he could shed his maiden tag at the third time of asking.

4.20 Thurles

Saturn Five (7-2, bet365) is seemingly the most likely winner out of O’Brien’s two runners in this race. With just two starts so far, he got off the mark last time out having finished third on debut. He had shown plenty at Roscommon on debut, luck wasn’t on his side and he had excuses. His breeding suggests stepping up to an extended 1m4f should suit and a huge effort is expected.

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