Tipping / Timeform / 01 February 2012 /

Three selections for Down Royal this afternoon from Timeform's Irish SmartPlays team.....

The opening handicap chase doesn't look as competitive as the current market would suggest and the unexposed Mister First (13:05) should be the clear favourite. Robbie Hennessy's charge won his only point start by a wide margin and went like a well-handicapped horse when runner-up to Come To The Party at Limerick last time. Mister First is open to further progress after just the three starts over fences and can exploit a lenient mark.

Quaquo de Flotte (14:35) is sure to have his supporters in the maiden hurdle on the card, understandably so given he's a former bumper winner in the care of Willie Mullins, but he didn't entirely convince with his finishing efffort when second to Jack Bene at Thurles, and today's looks just as strong a race. Beef To The Heels, Griesenau, and Sliabh Glath all look to have similar chances, something that's not altogether reflected in the current market, and Quaquo De Flotte is worth opposing at [3.15].

Sorted seems sure to be popular in the two-mile handicap hurdle for novices after winning last time out but that wasn't a strong race and he was ridden by a very good 7-lb claimer, so he looks vulnerable off his revised mark. With that in mind Liszt (15:35) looks the one to be on, as he's clearly well suited by such conditions and could get an uncontested lead. He split a pair a of next-time-out winners when second at Fairyhouse last month and should take all the beating this afternoon.

Timeform SmartPlays

Back Mister First in the 13:05
Lay Quaquo De Flotte in the 14:35
Back Liszt in the 15:35

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