Today's Tips: Billy’s Hope can go one better at Clonmel
Jessica Harrington’s mark looked all over a winner when jumping the last in front but appeared to idle somewhat in the closing stages and was caught right on the line by the well-backed Pride Of The Braid. While it was a touch disappointing she didn’t put that race to bed from what looked a winning position, the form stands up well against today’s opposition.
The obvious danger is Water Sprite, who caught the eye on her hurdling debut in December at Punchestown. She achieved a high of 69 on the flat when with John Murphy, before joining Gordon Elliott.
She’s entitled to have improved for that first start over timer, and should give the selection most to think about.
Bright New Dawn is best treated by the conditions of the Micro Dog ID Chase and can earn a first victory since joining the Elliott yard. A fine second behind Felix Yonger in a Grade 2 at Navan in December, he disappointed in a handicap chase at Fairyhouse before reverting to hurdles for his most recent outing.
For much of the race he looked set for modest reward for his efforts but picked up well in the closing stages to finish a close second behind well-backed, all-the-way winner Sizing Tennessee.
That was a good effort and if he can build on that on his return to chasing, he’ll take beating.
