Gavin Cromwell’s William Hill blog: Sixandahalf on course for Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle

William Hill ambassador Gavin Cromwell reflects on a special day at Fairyhouse and looks ahead to this weekend’s racing including a first ever runner at Windsor.

Fairyhouse four-timer was special

To have a four-timer at Fairyhouse, which is one of my local tracks, was nice. The Dan & Joan Moore is a very prestigious race so we were delighted to win it, but to have the first three home was really special.

I thought all three of them had a chance heading into the race and it was actually Path d’Oroux who caught my eye throughout the race. That said, Conor Stone-Walsh gave The King Of Prs a great ride, while Midnight It Is was probably the biggest takeaway from the race. He got a bit too far back and made a mistake at the last, but stayed on well and was coming home very strong.

Another special performance on that day was Sixandahalf. She jumped well and doesn’t look like she needs any more practice over hurdles. Off the back of that she’ll definitely be aimed at the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival – she’ll most likely go straight there.

Who’s to say something better than her won’t emerge before the Festival, but at the moment it looks a winnable race all being well.

Bet on Sixandahalf for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle with our Non Runner Money Back markets

Looking forward to our first ever Windsor runner

I’m looking forward to having my first ever runner at Windsor on Friday and I’ll actually be heading over myself. We start off with Law Ella in the Mares’ Chase (2.25pm) and although she’s off top weight, she’s a big mare and should be up to carrying it. She’s been consistent without getting her head in front but I’d definitely give her a chance of coming out on top here.

Our other runner there on the Friday is Tyre Kicker in the Handicap Chase (4.08pm) over 2m6f. He was a bit disappointing in his last two starts but he seems to be in good form at home, so hopefully he can be competitive.

We also have a rare runner at Market Rasen on Friday with Railway Hurricane in the Veterans’ Handicap Chase (1.25pm) over 2m5½f. He’s a very consistent horse which means he probably isn’t well handicapped, but with it being a veterans race I think he’s in the right grade. If he can run similar to how he did the last day, then the form of that race suggests he wouldn’t be too far away here.

Total Look held an entry at Ascot but now won’t run there, although I would like to get a run into him somewhere before the Cheltenham Festival. He’d have to step forward to be a Triumph Hurdle contender, but at the moment he shapes more like a Fred Winter horse.

Bet on Total Look for the Triumph Hurdle or Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle with our Non Runner Money Back markets

Saturday, Navan

We have a fair few runners in Ireland over the weekend including three in the 2m4f Handicap Hurdle at Navan on Saturday (1.10pm). Keith Donoghue rides Bottler’secret who ran no race at all the last day and has just been really disappointing this season. We tried blinkers and tongue tie for the first time and I’m not sure which he didn’t take to, it was a bit of a head-scratcher. We’re reverting back to cheekpieces here and he’s up in trip, so hopefully he can run his race.

Thecompanyseargant is having his first run for us with Conor Stone-Walsh claiming five on him. He seems to be in good form at home and hopefully he’ll come on for the run. Millforce has been a bit more in and out – he might have hit his level. It’s a handicap with a nice prize so hopefully he can run well.

Sunday, Thurles

We also have runners at Thurles on Sunday and the pick of those is probably Only By Night in the Grade 2 Mares Novice Chase over 2m5f (1.30pm). We really like her and she’s two from two over fences this season, so we’re hoping she has a big chance here. All being well she’s most likely to go to the Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham.

The other Grade 2 on the day is the 2m5f Chase (2.05pm) where we run Visionarian. The entries look strong there and on ratings he’s got a bit to find with a few of them. The trip should be fine and it looks as though the ground will be good which he’ll love.

One worth looking out for is Stuntman Steve in the 1m7½f Handicap Hurdle (3.10pm). He’s in off a light weight and he’ll appreciate the good ground. The trip should suit him fine so it’ll be interesting to see how he gets on in a handicap for the first time.

Bet on Only By Night for the Mares’ Chase with our Non Runner Money Back markets