Today’s best bets, by Chris Cook
This afternoon’s action will bring yet another first for Willie Mullins, albeit of a lesser significance than most of the others. Myska is, I believe, the Irish champ’s first runner at Taunton and her presence, along with that of Ruby Walsh, will add to the enjoyment of the West Country regulars there today.
Mullins has taken to running a handful of horses at British tracks where he would never have been found in the past as a way of coping with the enormous number of animals at his Carlow yard. But it has not always been a case of simply turning up and lifting the prize, as Mullins is 0/2 at Huntingdon and 0/1 at Carlisle this season.
Myska is unbeaten in two career starts, a Clonmel bumper and a maiden hurdle at Thurles, but I just wonder if she’s underpriced for today’s Listed mares’ contest, easily the toughest she has faced. While she won with plenty in hand at Thurles, the runner-up remains a maiden after six spins over hurdles.
If Myska races as freely and jumps as poorly here, these rivals will surely punish her lack of professionalism. A case can be made for all six of her opponents and I shall take a chance at 12-1 on Surtee Du Berlais (2.50), unbeaten in two over hurdles at an admittedly modest level.
Out of a half-sister to the classy Michel Le Bon, Surtee Du Berlais won easily on her seasonal reappearance, beating Tara Flow, who has herself enjoyed two comfortable wins since then. She has plenty of potential and not an enormous amount of ground to make up on these rivals, judged on available ratings, so double-figure odds may be generous.
In the preceding handicap chase, 6-1 is available about Wild Rover (2.20) from the Rebecca Curtis yard that was having rather a bad time when he faded out of contention at Newbury last month. Curtis may not be out of the woods yet but there has been more encouragement from recent runners and this one is interesting in a handicap for his fences debut, having been placed in an Irish point last year. He won easily on his reappearance at Ffos Las despite jumping to the right, which suggests this track may suit better.
Tipping competition back on Monday 4 January
There will be no tipping competition during the holidays but Talking Horses will continue through the festive season so please do keep us company and share any fancies you may have.
