Mullins V Elliott At Fairyhouse

This could be a massive weekend in Irish racing with the battle between Willie Mullins and championship leader Gordon Elliott said to hit fever pitch at Fairyhouse with the BoyleSports Irish Grand National a possible championship decider on Monday. There’s plenty of good racing before that though and there’s plenty of Cheltenham Festival winners on show this afternoon.

Devote support to Love
When beaten by Jury Duty at Punchestown in November it didn’t look like Shattered Love would go on such a winning sequence of three which includes two Grade 1’s on the biggest stage at the Dublin Racing Festival and the Cheltenham Festival and she could add a third Grade 1 on the trot here.

For all mares competing in Grade 1 company getting a 7lbs allowance is a massive plus to them..

..and this seven-year-old is obviously vastly improving and possibly still getting even better.

Last month’s JLT might not go down as the best ever renewal of the race but that shouldn’t’ take away from the winner who could only do what she had to do and Shattered Love should be able to continue here over 2m4f which would look her favourite trip. She’s not a great price but 11/8 is bigger than some might have expected for her and if Cheltenham hasn’t left a mark she should prove best again.

Elliott is the Sheriff
Getting involved in the concluding bumper on Sunday evening might be a bit of a landmine but Whoshotthesheriff might be worth giving another chance to. Thirteen of the field of 20 are first time out and there’s some well bred newcomers as well as top stables represented and of course previous winners Sizing Pottsie and Black Tears but Whoshotthesheriff is given the nod to come out on top.

Extremely well backed for his Leopardstown debut just before Cheltenham, the four-year-old could only finish third behind Sizing Pottsie that day..

..but it would be fair to say that the race wasn’t really run to suit the favourite that day and he clearly has a big reputation and the yard have enough ammunition to get a good guide so give him another chance to score here.

Go for value against Laurina
Laurina was one of the most impressive winners of the Cheltenham Festival and it will be a treat to see her back in action on Sunday but her price will reflect her ability and it is best to go each way or without the favourite in this race and Dawn Shadow is one who could make the frame.

Dawn Shadow fell at Cheltenham and it was too early to say how involved she might get at that stage..

..but she has glimpses of form that give her a chance and the fact that she didn’t have a hard race in Cheltenham will be a help. There’s plenty you could make cases for to bag a place behind the favourite but Dawn Shadow looked like she could be a bit of value to do just that and is worth a small bet without Laurina.

Recommended Bets:
Shattered Love – 4.30 Fairyhouse 11/8
Whoshotthesheriff – 5.05 Fairyhouse 5/1
Dawn Shadow – 2.50 Fairyhouse 50/1

*Prices correct at time of publication.