29th October 2012

It was a disappointing weekend with Sunday in particular a really bad day. For that I can only apologise but I think the 2 selections for today are in with serious chances and make a good double to get us back on track.

13.25 Naas

A typically competitive race from Ireland even though there's only 5 runners. They're likely to be given a good lead and a decent pace by Rathlin, but he will find it hard to lead from start to finish against Foildubh and HIDDEN CYCLONE, with the latter clearly a class horse having only lost to First Lieutenant and Sir Des Champs. Foildubh will arguably be more suited by the 16 furlongs of this race, but on his first run back after a while the shorter distance should merely only make this more winnable for Hidden Cyclone, especially as he goes well fresh ensuring he will be seeing the race out strongly. Of the remaining two, Odonimee is more feared but will have to improve significantly to pose a threat. 11/10 Paddy Power

16.05 Galway NON RUNNER

Four Commanders is a cracking horse but over this 22 furlong trip may be susceptible to a horse with a bit more speed lower down the weights. Bangonform arrives bang in form and receives nearly two stone from Four Commanders, but until we see how he races off this mark, a near career high and one that he has been easily beaten off before against classier opposition, he is best avoided. As a result ROMANESCO is taken to win again. Tipped on here only last Friday, he makes a quick reappearance which in itself is a big sign. If Four Commanders is back to his best, then Romanseco will be given more of a race than his last few, but the former's reappearance run didn't hint at that, and although he should have come on for the run, this trip ultimately plays into Romanesco's favour. 7/2 Paddy Power

*UPDATE* With the withdrawal of Romanesco (clearly he wasn't ready for a race just three days later), if you're looking for another race for a double rather than backing another horse in the 16.05, GO NATIVE continues his return to hurdling at Galway in the 15.05. 11/8 Bet365


Good luck!

The Horse Whisperer