3 minute read

The team have two selections for Sunday’s racing including an exciting maiden at Naas…

Johnny Murtagh's Iceford is a straightforward selection in the 6f Tifrums Irish EBF (C & G) Maiden at Naas, having his second career start. The son of Beckford made a pleasing debut at the same course when fourth in a five-furlong maiden contest, exceeding expectations after making an awkward start. Whilst he was beaten five-a-quarter-lengths at the line, the colt was in the rear in the early stages before switching left to start progress at the two furlong marker. He powered well through the line to pick up fourth in the closing stages and shaped as though a step up to six furlongs would suit exceptionally well.

Whilst dam Princess Icicle (Iceman) has failed to produce a winner yet, Iceford is not the only one in the family to feature on the card – half-sister Delacree (Fastnet Rock) may not have won, but she has placed on all of her seven starts for the same trainer and runs in the Listed Garnet Stakes.

WIN – ICEMAN

The 2m DragonBet Proud Sponsor Of The Welsh Champion Hurdle (3:55) is the highlight of a strong Ffos Las card and Jipcot appeals, despite short odds of 4/1. The five-year-old gelding ended his last preparation in the hands of Ben Pauling and has since switched to the Jonjo & A J O'Neill stable. He was kept lightly campaigned last season after a wind operation in August 2023 and managed to pick up a five-length win at Huntingdon the following March before ending the season with a third in a sixteen runner Class 2 two-mile Sandown handicap hurdle. Fitness is an obvious question mark after a break but the same applies to the majority of the field, and it would not be enough to put punters off.

WIN – JIPCOT – 4/1