2007 Winner: Cork All Star; Trainer: Jessica Harrington; Age: 5; SP: 11/2
Key trends:
It is hoped that you haven’t done all your money by the time this race is run as there have been a series of well-backed winners in recent years - 12 winners from the last 15 runnings have been in the top six in the betting. The majority of these were trained in Ireland, and most notably by Willie Mullins who has been successful on no less than five occasions (from 15 renewals), although he sets punters a puzzle this year by running four horses - check the market for clues. Age-wise, five-year-olds have won nine of the last 11 contests, the other two going to six-year-olds. The last winning four-year-old was Dato Star in 1995, so look to take this age group on.
The contenders (best current price):
Ante post punters have been getting stuck into the Colm Murphy-trained Zaarito (4/1 Stan James), which is no great surprise as he was very impressive when scooting home by eight lengths on his latest start at Naas to make it 3-3 in bumpers. Anything Willie Mullins runs has to be respected, and the word from Ireland is that his Cousin Vinny (9/1 Paddy Power) could be the stable’s main hope this year, from Apt Approach (5/1 Skybet), Lilywhite Dancer (10/1 totesport) and Drive on Regardles (25/1 VCBet). However, the best alternative to the favourite could be Dermot Weld’s Corskeagh Royale (12/1 bet365), who couldn’t have been more impressive in his last two races, winning by an aggregate of 22 lengths. The Queen looks to have the best of the British in Gold Award (14/1 Blue Square), although any money for David Pipe’s Big Eared Fran (10/1 Paddy Power) would be significant.
The verdict:
I nailed my colours to the mast of Zaarito some time ago and I’m not going to jump ship now. He looked an absolute machine when winning at Naas where he showed a terrific turn of foot, and has now thrashed 46 horses on ground ranging from good to heavy. He’s not short of stamina either - his sire has also produced the very useful staying hurdler Tazbar and a group 1 winner on the flat - so, unless I've completely lost the plot, he must have an outstanding chance of giving the Irish another win in this race.
Betting advice:
BACK - Zaarito 2pt @ 4/1 Stan James
NO LAY