Selections for Saturday 3rd of December 2022
2.05 Aintree
12.55 Fairyhouse
1 point each way Fakiera ( 9/2 Generally, 4 places)
Fakiera hasn’t filled the potential he showed when going off 4/1 second favourite for the Albert Bartlett back in 2021. He finished tenth on that occasion and an official mark of 144. Fast forward a couple of seasons and he runs here in a handicap off a mark of 128. He steps up in trip but all indications would suggest that that is a positive. He is a sound jumper and if Jack Kennedy can get him into a good rhythm he should go close.
1 point each way Punitive (8/1 Paddy power/ Betfair, 4 places)
Punitive unseated at the fifth fence in the Troytown handicap Chase at Navan last Sunday. It was his run at Cheltenham on his penultimate start that really caught the eye when the step up in trip looked to really suit. He was beaten by a well handicapped Anightinlambourn on that occasion. Although still a maiden over the larger obstacles he is open to further improvement over this extended trip. The type of horse that trainer Gordon Elliott excels with.
1.25 Fairyhouse
1 point each way Marine Nationale (4/1 Boylesports, 3 places or else 10/3 Bet365/ Betvictor/ Coral/ Ladbrokes/ Betway, 3 places)
Usually I tend to favour horses with form in the book over potential but on this occasion I am favouring the exciting and potential improver Marine Nationale. He won both Bumpers on the bridle and was impressive in winning his Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown. This is a significant jump in grade and he will have to take a step forward but owner/ Trainer Barry Connell has never shied in how good he feels this horse could be, claiming he is one of the best he has ever had. That is a fair statement when you look at some of the horses that have passed through his hands. He needs better ground so this could be his last race until the Spring if the ground turns against him over the Winter.
1.55 Fairyhouse
1 point each way Mighty Potter (5/1 Paddy power/ Betfair, 4 places)
If Banbridge had been 7/2 he would have been a 2 points each way bet but he has gone too short and instead we swap to the two time Grade One Novice of last season. He won four of his six starts as a Novice hurdler last season and had the impression that he would make a better chaser this season. He won at Down Royal on his seasonal reappearance in a Beginners Chase. His jumping was a bit novicey but it was his first run back and he is entitled to take a significant step forward. He looks an each way bet to nothing bar significant jumping errors.
3.05 Fairyhouse
1 point each way Pinkerton (5/1 Paddy power/ Betfair/ Betfred/ Ladbrokes, 5 places)
This is a competitive handicap so fish around for the extra places. Pinkerton went into the tracker when an unlucky third at Down Royal last month. With a tidier jump at the last he could have easily finished ahead of the reopposing Nibiru and Watch The Weather. He might be suited by an extra couple of furlongs ideally but he won a Bumper and maiden Hurdle over this distance and the Noel Meade stable is in good form. He has been raised 3lbs for that third but off 133 he can still be competitive. A strong pace will suit him.
**Date & Time of next Selections Thursday 8th of December at 9pm..