Irish runners sent to race in Britain are always of interest. Not only have they dominated the Cheltenham Festival for many years, they raid on a weekly basis, producing excellent results. At Wetherby on Friday, Ken Budds sends over his first ever runner at a double-figure price.
A small yard, he has three winners so far this season in Ireland which is a new record for him and the season is yet to truly get underway. The Charlie Hall (run this Saturday) is often seen as the start of the season so things look set for this yard to extend that career best.
Wetherby is one of six courses in action on Friday. Uttoxeter, Newmarket and Down Royal race in the afternoon with Dundalk and Kempton take over in the evening. There will be tips from all on our horse racing tips.
Esthers Marvel is the horse in question, a regular in the mix but unable to get her head in front so far. She went close at Punchestown at the end of May, gaining an RPR of 99 in the process. That level of form would see her close here off a mark of 97 over a similar trip and on a sound surface.
Oakley Brown is the man charged with the ride. He has proven himself to be a more than capable conditional over the last couple of seasons, regularly used by Joseph O’Brien in handicaps as a way of reducing the burden of his runners.
On the balance of form, she has a touch to find but as with all Irish raiders, she needs respect for that alone. Her jockey booking is certainly interesting and she would have an each way chance at a double figure price.
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