Timeform Irish SmartPlays: Harpsy Cord to hit the right note

Timeform Irish SmartPlays / Timeform / 18 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Andrew Lynch, seen here aboard Sizing Europe, looks the man to follow at Gowran today.

"Harpsy Cord has quickly made up into a better chaser than hurdler and looks to have been found a suitable opportunity to open his account over fences in the maiden chase at 13:35."

It is Red Mills day at Gowran and today's SmartPlays are made up of two win bets and a place lay....

Harpsy Cord has quickly made up into a better chaser than hurdler and looks to have been found a suitable opportunity to open his account over fences in the maiden chase at 13:35. He shaped as if just in need of the run when third to Rathlin at Fairyhouse last month and then had Awkward Moment a long way behind in third when chasing home the promising Soll at Down Royal last time. The drop back in trip will suit the selection and Ballyadam Brook, who was comfortably the best of these over hurdles, is entitled to need today's runs after well over a year off.

Conor O'Dwyer has his team in fine form at the moment and his Uncle Tom Cobley is sure to be close to the head of the market in the handicap chase at 14:40. However, there are plenty of reasons to oppose the Gigginstown Stud-owned gelding. Uncle Tom Cobley is now on a career-high mark despite never having won a handicap, he won't get things his own way up front with the likes of Rubert and The Sneezer in opposition, most of his best form is on left-handed tracks (jumps left) and two and a quarter-miles on this track will stretch his stamina to the limit. Therefore, it's well worth laying him for a place.

Robbie Hennessy looks to have strong claims of landing the Red Mills Trial Chase for the second year running with Rubi Light but things could get even better for the County Meath handler later on as his Table Mountain looks the one to beat in the Goresbridge handicap hurdle at 16:25. Table Mountain proved himself to be as good as ever on the Flat last summer, winning a handicap off an ITC mark of 93 at Roscommon in June, and ran much his best race over hurdles when beating all bar the progressive Caheronaun in a handicap over this trip at Fairyhouse. Andrew Lynch's mount has been put up seven pounds for that but still looks well handicapped and remains open to improvement over jumps.

Timeform Irish SmartPlays
Back Harpsy Cord in the 13:35
Place Lay Uncle Tom Cobley in the 14:40
Back Table Mountain in the 16:25