2021 ended on a poor note with my pick Cilaos Emery coming 4th. The 2/5 favourite disputed the lead early but made a slight mistake at the 4th. He led before the 6th but was passed entering the straight. He had no extra at the last dropping to 4th on the run-in. The race was won by Darver Star the 6/1 shot easily came home by 20 lengths.
We begin a new year with 7 races at Tramore and 8 at Fairyhouse. The main event at Tramore comes at 2.20 when 6 begin the Savills New Year’s Day Chase. Al Boum Photo is the standout horse who is looking to win this race for a 4th consecutive season. After his wins in 2019 and 2020 he went on to taste victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup but came up short on his hat-trick bid after winning here last season. He is hard to oppose and should have little trouble en route to regaining his crown in March. Burrows Saint won the Irish National in 2019 and ran an excellent race when 4th in the Grand National in April. He jumped well but faltered late on. Despite that he is the main threat on his hurdles reappearance. Hardline is a smart chaser who went close in the PWC Champion Chase on his return at Gowran Park in October. His other run this season in the Clonmel Oil Chase can largely be overlooked and he has a good chance of picking up a minor place if on-song. The other to look at is Brahma Bull who has run well since returning in September. He was 3rd in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury last time and could well challenge to be placed again here.
Over at Fairyhouse the highlight is the 2.40 when 5 start the John & Chich Fowler Memorial EBF Mares Chase. Elimay is a smart chaser who's last win was a listed race on this course back in April. Her season reappearance was a rare poor effort when she was 3rd at Aintree 28 days ago. She has every chance of getting back to winning ways if at her best and should be tough to beat. The main threat is Put The Kettle On who was 3rd to Nube Negra in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham on her return in mid November. She has a bit to prove going up in trip but will definitely challenge if on form. The other on the shortlist is Mount Ida who didn't need to improve to win a listed chase at Clonmel 51 days ago. She comfortably beat Scarlet And Dove (who goes again here.) by 4 1/4 lengths. However she is still a relative newcomer over fences but can still make her presence felt.
Big race predictions: Tramore: 2: Al Boum Photo Fairyhouse: 5: Elimay.
Just a quick thank you to everyone who has supported this blog in 2021 and fingers crossed for another exciting 12 months ahead.
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