Ivawood looks a gilt-edged each-way 'special' in the group one Irish 2000 Guineas over a mile of 'good to soft' Curragh today; trainer Richard Hannon and brother-in-law, champion jockey, Richard Hughes, are confident about reversing placings with 2/5 favourite, Gleneagles.
Aidan O'Brien's charge improved tremendously when landing the English equivalent on the Rowley Mile earlier this month, storming clear to beat French-trained Territories and Ivawood, three lengths off the impressive winner.
'Hughesy' rode Ivawood to come home that day, not believing 100 per cent this Zebedee colt would stay the furthest distance he'd tackled; had they not raced down the centre, away from the principals, it might have been a different story.
We share their enthusiasm but respect that Roger Varian is also confident about 'Dewhurst' winner Belardo a total flop in the 'Greenham' but back to his very best, according to Newmarket gallop reports.
Belardo was officially the best two-year-old of 2014; we disagreed but he can't be discounted. On a 'process of elimination' this exceptionally well-bred Irish colt is one of only three able to win and that's why Ivawood represents a 'thieving' bet with three places available. It should be fascinating, watch Hughes, throughout.
Consistency can be relied upon to produce reward and with this in mind First Bombardment is napped (again!) in the Maiden Stakes over five furlongs of 'good to firm' Catterick, one of seven meetings on this overwhelming 'super-Saturday!'
It's crazy but by sticking to the daily patent we are winning handsomely; what a cracking 23/1 double that was on Thursday.
Thrice-raced First Bombardment keeps bumping into useful types but this is an outstanding opportunity which I'll bet he takes with both hands.
An each-way treble will be on my agenda with the DP and, hopefully, Russian Radiance will conclude it successfully in the Maiden Fillies' Stakes over six furlongs of 'good to firm' Salisbury.
Don't forget to click onto www.dailyearner.co.uk because we have another jumping 'special' at Ffos Las.