Racegoers at Ballinrobe are in for a real treat this evening as two past Cheltenham Festival winners over hurdles tackle fences in the 2m 1f beginners chase (19:30).
While former Irish St Leger and County Hurdle hero Wicklow Brave has leading form claims, this 10-year-old goes over the larger obstacles for the first time pretty late in his career.
The Willie Mullins trained veteran is also plenty short enough, so the value bet may be 2016 Triumph Hurdle victor Ivanovich Gorbatov each-way at 12/1 with Boylesports for Joseph O’Brien and JP McManus.
This son of Montjeu scored off a revised mark of 137 in a valuable Grade A handicap hurdle during the Easter Festival at Fairyhouse three starts back.
Ivanovich Gorbatov travelled well on the inner to take things up two out and was pushed clear approaching the last before staying on strongly to score by 2 1/2 lengths from Tudor City.
It was a good performance from the seven-year-old as he was giving 9lb to the Tony Martin trained runner-up, who had the services of a claimer on board.
Decent shout of making the frame on ground which suits
While Ivanovitch Gorbatov is only three from 29 over hurdles, he has largely raced in handicap company and placed on a further eight occasions.
That gives him a career win and place ratio of 38 per cent over obstacles, and he also gets forecast good going needed to be seen to best effect here.
As he was once rated as high as 154 over hurdles and his current mark in that sphere is 146, if taking to fences Ivanovich Gorbatov looks sure to be involved in the finish.
The double figure price on offer looks generous as a result, and he is the clear pick of the O’Brien trained quartet for leading Irish owner McManus in this.
Bet of the Day: 12/1 with Boylesports, Ivanovich Gorbatov each-way in the 2m 1f beginners chase at Ballinrobe (19:30).
