JP Colours Fitting For Munster National Winner

There’s two €100,000 handicaps up for grabs in Ireland on Sunday afternoon with the JT McNamara Munster National confirming that the jump season is well and truly back.

But one of the major jump trainers may have more joy at the Curragh in the Irish Cesarewitch.

From Mullins to Elliott
Willie Mullins claimed the Irish Cesarewitch last season and has a runner this year with three-year-old Laws Of Spin who goes for three on the trot. But Gordon Elliott could be the man to side with this time with Eshtiaal.

A lot of these horses are probably going to be found jumping in the coming months and Elliott will have more high profile runners than Eshtiaal but the six-year-old can be given a squeak in this two-miler at odds of 16/1.A win in the Cesarewitch will take a career best effort for the Elliott runner but if ignoring his Royal Ascot run and looking at his previous start at York, there is evidence to suggest he hasn’t quite reached his peak on the flat just yet.

The trip and ground should be ideal and there’s no doubting the quality of trainer and jockey.

And while he isn’t a horse that can be accused of being very well handicapped, he may still have a bit to offer and his price is certainly appealing.

It’s a fascinating race and it’s no surprise to see Pyromaniac prominent in the betting but Swamp Fox is the horse that could be anything. The Galway and Listowel winner is looking to complete a four-timer and could hardly have been more impressive – on varying ground – on his two most recent starts under both codes. If he was to bolt up again, it wouldn’t be a major surprise. Swamp Fox is 7/1.

Fitting Winner
It was a lovely touch to have the Munster National named in honour of JT McNamara this year and there may be a fitting winner with the green and gold colours of JP McManus.

Nine-year-old Elegant Statesman won the Galway Plate Trial at Down Royal last time after a break.

And while he hasn’t raced since, the step up in trip and a light weight of just 10st1lb on his back could help him run a big race at odds of 10/1.

The inclusion of Clarcam at the top of the weights has meant that a lot of these horses will carry a light weight and Elegant Statesman’s weight won’t have come easy to Mark Walsh, but JP’s number two-rider is a good man to have on your side and hopefully can get a good tune out of the son of Vinnie Roe.

Recommended Bets:
Elegant Statesman – 4.40 Limerick
Eshtiaal – 4.55 Curragh

*Prices correct at time of publication.