Ballyandy the one to beat in Champion Bumper
David Metcalf | March 15, 2016
Ballyandy can bowl over rivals in Champion Bumper
Irish trained horses have won 17 out of the 23 runnings the Weatherbys Champion Bumper, but Ballyandy looks to hold outstanding claims of landing the spoils for the home team in this year’s renewal of the 2m contest (17.30).
The Nigel Twiston-Davies trained five-year-old has won three of his four starts, with his sole defeat coming two starts back in a Listed contest at Ascot.
Ballyandy went down fighting by just one length to Coeur Blimey, and now meets the winner on 7lb better terms.
That should be more than enough for the gelding to reverse the placings, and Ballyandy has since gone on to land a Listed contest at Newbury in ultra-impressive fashion.
After travelling strongly throughout, Ballyandy took up the running rounding the home turn and powered clear to score by nine lengths.
One to keep onside
It was a most taking performance, especially given that fact that Ballyandy was giving weight away all-round, and one which suggested he was a well-above average performer who needed keeping firmly onside.
The race has also proved a good trial for this, and the son of Kayf Tara is a strapping sort who remains open to stacks more improvement.
Ballyandy is also a relentless galloper and looks the type who will relish the stiff finish up the famous Cheltenham hill.
Kate the pick of Mullins team
Irish trainer Willie Mullins has a whole host of contenders as he bids for a ninth victory in the race, and Augusta Kate looks the pick of his team.
The five-year-old is unbeaten in two starts and receives a handy 7lb mares’ allowance.
After cruising home by 23 lengths on debut at Listowel, Augusta Kate took the step up into Listed company in her stride when scoring by seven lengths at Navan.
Awesome display of power
The daughter of Yates stretched clear in impressive fashion to score with any amount in hand.
It was an awesome display of power which suggested Augusta Kate had a huge engine, and the form of the race has a strong look to it.
With usual partner Patrick Mullins unable to do 10st 12lb, Augusta Kate now gets the professional services of Ruby Walsh in the saddle and everything points to a big run.
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Coral’s top tip: Ballyandy has done nothing but impress and looks decent value to land a rare success in the Champion Bumper for the home team. Augusta Kate can chase him home.
