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16:15 - Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
The Boodles is a notoriously hard race to conquer and this year’s renewal looks no different. Presuming that the ground stays Soft, and working from the mark of mid-130s, I believe the eventual winner should hail from this quartet of horses!
The Jane Williams trained Balko Saint was placed behind Adagio and Duffle Coat and is the only horse in on the weights. If he comes from the back, he may just be staying on towards the end of the race and represent a good e/w bet. The only question would be the soft ground.
Riviere D’Etel was a creditable third to Thedevilscoachman last time out and is well in on the handicap. Like the above, I’d imagine she’ll be ridden off the pace. She has won on the distance and going, and connections have a good record in this race.
The Joseph O’Brien trained Druids Alter is 2 lbs out of the handicap but has Hugh Morgan taking the ride, and 5 lbs off. He has a rating of 135 and a weight of 11-4 which means he fits into the trends for the race. Moreover he won the novice hurdle at Naas that has been won by the last two winners of the Boodles. However, he has drifted quite a bit and seems to be the stable’s second string. 28/1 seems a very generous price and could also be a good e/w bet.
Busselton is Joseph O’Brien’s first string and has been placed behind leading festival contenders Quilixios and Zanahiyr. The trip shouldn’t be a problem and he is better off in the weights, compared to others in the race. He wears cheekpieces for the first time and would be my selection to run a good race.
BUSSELTON (WIN)
written by Kieran McHugh