More Glory For O’Briens At Doncaster

Some big names return to action this weekend over jumps at Cheltenham and Galway as Leopardstown stage the final Group race on the Flat in Ireland and Doncaster host the last Group 1 in England.

This is one of the weekends where there is a mix for every taste in racing and hopefully there’s a few winners to be found.

Cooper To Enjoy Galway Success
Bryan Cooper was a jockey who graced the big stage at Cheltenham more than most could ever dream of but he is rebuilding his career at a smaller stage now. This weekend Cooper looks to have a number of solid chances in Ireland and For Pedro is a big priced selection in the 2m2f handicap hurdle at Galway today.

A brother to a couple of Cooper’s more well renowned inmates Total Enjoyment and Total Excitement, For Pedro has never reached the dizzy heights of those two and is still a maiden from 17 starts.

Still without a win, a competitive handicap hurdle at Galway wouldn’t look the obvious place for him to start winning but the eight-year-old was second last year in a similar race at Killarney and showed that day that a win at this level should be within his grasp.

The 14/1 about him last night seemed too big now that he had a run under his belt at Listowel

and nicer ground should be a positive too.

More Glory For O’Briens But Drinks On Channon
Magna Grecia should have learned plenty from his Newmarket outing a couple of weeks ago to land another Group 1 for Aidan and Donnacha O’Brien.

The fine big colt by Invincible Spirit is a worthy favourite and can cap a very memorable season for Donnacha O’Brien who won’t be riding at the Breeders’ Cup next weekend because of suspension.

In the opener at Doncaster the Mick Channon-trained Barbill shouldn’t be ignored. The Zebedee colt has had a busy season but landed a massive sales race at the Curragh on Irish Champions Weekend and can sign off his juvenile career with listed success today.

Barbill has earned a rating of 100 and ran a fine race at a big price at Newmarket behind Sergei Prokofiev. In the Doncaster opener Barbill has to contend with some lesser exposed types but…

he probably shouldn’t be a 7/1 shot.

Recommended Bets:
For Pedro (16/1) – 5.00 Galway
Magna Grecia (11/8) – 4.05 Doncaster
Barbill (7/1) – 1.45 Doncaster

*Prices correct at time of publication.