Ireland's Eye - Friday

Friday 30 January

IRELAND'S EYE

Though our shorter priced tips let us down with a bang yesterday it was another big payday as our selections Lurgan (4-10/3) and Carronhills (3-11/4) delivered while our saver Moscova (4-7/2) also scored and in addition we got Freneys Well turned over in the hunter chase in Thurles. All in all it was a 29 point profit to keep our fine run going.

The action looks thin on the ground today but we will go to Catterick for a couple of possible value bets. Whilst the 2-35 sees former Dungarvan point winner Minella Boys – who landed a small 'touch' at bigger odds in Sedgefield over three miles and four off top weight ten days ago for the Walford team start short priced favourite in this extended 3m 1f hc chase there could be better value in another former point scorer.

The former John Hassett trained Clear The Way comes under the category of very lightly raced and most if not all of his form has been on a good surface (won point in Bartlemy on good/firm in 2007) he hinted last time that softer ground may not hold too many fears and he rates a tentative bet off a low weight for the Sue Smith yard under Henry Oliver who also run course and distance winner Whatdoidowiththat. Bottom weight and former point winner Lockstown also rates a place interest.

There is little to go on in the concluding bumper at 4-20 with those with previous runs and form looking somewhat limited to date. Malcolm Jefferson boasts a decent record in these contests and his Gutter Lane could make a winning debut under Phil Kinsella whilst Peter Bowens newcomer Ballyhar Paddy could prove the main danger.

ADVICE
CLEAR THE WAY – 3pts win saver 2pt win Minella Boys 1pt place Lockstown 2-35 Catterick
GUTTER LANE – 3pts win saver 2pts win Ballyhar Paddy 4-20 Catterick