Timeform Radio Tips: Maureen to score in Style?

Richard Hannon: Trainer of Maureen.

David Cleary advises bets at both the Curragh and Kelso on Sunday...

Jumping fans are well catered for this afternoon, with meetings at Fontwell, Kelso and Uttoxeter, but those looking for a bet on the Flat need to roam further afield, with Group 1 action in both Ireland and France. The feature in Ireland is the local version of the 1000 Guineas at the Curragh (15.55), and it looks a tricky puzzle to solve.

The obvious starting point is Just The Judge, who finished second in the Newmarket original at the start of the month. A repeat of that effort would be about good enough to win this afternoon, though it's not cut and dried that she'll confirm placings with the fifth and sixth that day, Snow Queen and Maureen. Whereas Just The Judge was handy all the way, the other pair were left with plenty to do, Maureen through design and Snow Queen through her own quirkiness. A better-judged ride could well see Maureen much more competitive, while a visor instead of cheekpieces may improve Snow Queen's attitude. The former is more something to bet on than the latter.

Snow Queen is one of three Aidan O'Brien-trained runners, though presumably the one regarded as having most ability - a view supported by form - as she is ridden by Joseph O'Brien. Aidan O'Brien isn't the only trainer in Ireland capable of landing a classic, of course, and there's a form case to be made for Dermot Weld's Big Break and the John Oxx-trained pair Harasiya and What Style. The first two of those are reappearing, Big Break the more interesting, having greater potential to progress and with her form reading better. What Style has had a run this year, shaping as if needing the outing after travelling well for a long way in the Leopardstown Trial for this race. What Style finished just ahead of the indolent Snow Queen that day, as she had when winning a maiden on her debut last autumn. She has to prove herself on firmer ground, as do quite a few in the field, but What Style is less exposed than most of her rivals and looks overpriced.

The best bet over jumps could be Fiddlers Reel in the 16.25 at Kelso. He may be giving years to most of his rivals but he's still unexposed over fences, getting off the mark at just the second attempt when well backed in a novice handicap at Perth last month, then shaping nicely in face of a much stiffer task under a penalty against useful rivals there ten days ago. Fiddlers Reel has a much better chance back in handicap company this afternoon. Of his opponents, Royale Knight looks the obvious danger and may be worth a saver. Plenty of the rest are hard to fancy. 

Recommended Bets:
Back Maureen @ 7.413/2 and What Style @ 19.018/1 in the 15:55 at the Curragh
Back Fiddlers Reel @ 12.011/1 in the 16:25 at Kelso

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