One of the top juvenile races of the week. Four-year-old speed machines kick-off Day Four.
Triumph Hurdle 2023 Tips
What a way to start the final day. Officially it’s the JCB Triumph Hurdle, but this year it has a definite flavour of the Willie Mullins Triumph. The master of Closutton saddles SEVEN of the fifteen scheduled to face the starter, including the top four in the market!
It’s very short odds that Willie will indeed provide the winner of this great race, but from exactly where? I’m sure opposing trainers will have other ideas about a Mullins field day, and if you fancy an upset there are some eye-watering prices around. It should be an absolute cracker, and set us up beautifully.
Little separates Lossiemouth and Blood Destiny at the head of the market. ‘Lossie’ is a French-bred filly, therefore in receipt of a 7lbs allowance from the colts, while ‘Destiny’ is a fellow French-bred, officially rated four pounds her superior.
The filly has taken Grade 3 and Grade 2 contests in her stride, but was caught out in G1 company last time after being hampered in the straight, and not having time to recover. Her conqueror that day reopposes – another Mullins threat, Gala Marceau. A filly also, she’d been beaten comfortably by Lossiemouth in her previous contest, and I feel Lossie is likely to come out on top once again.
What of Blood Destiny? He’s untested at the higher levels but has shown himself to be very smart indeed. Again began life across the Channel, placing in a little Auteuil hurdle, before joining Willie’s team. Ordinary races at Cork and Fairyhouse have come his way, and he evidently possesses a big engine.
Going from the front, he’s taken a few liberties with his hurdles though. Seems he’s not without his kinks, but the talent is certainly there.
Zenta is one from one, and Willie trains this French-bred filly for JP McManus. Took a Fairyhouse G3 despite making a hash of both the second-last and the final hurdle. Makes each-way appeal at about 14/1.
Anything else will have to improve significantly for me to take a hand, but of course with these relative babies that’s always a possibility.
Stable jockey Paul Townend rides Lossiemouth here, and that’s surely a considerable indicator. He should know the time of day form-wise, and I’m hoping his excellent week can continue in Friday’s opener. Good luck today with all your selections.
Selections – Lossiemouth to win. Zenta each-way.
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