Pot luck jackpot

Today's Tramore meeting, rescheduled from last Thursday, features a jackpot carryover of almost £11,500, but anyone in search…

Today's Tramore meeting, rescheduled from last Thursday, features a jackpot carryover of almost £11,500, but anyone in search of the pot faces an ultra-difficult task.

A women riders' handicap, an amateur handicap, a 15-runner long-distance handicap and a beginners' chase is hardly a list of ideal jackpot-hunting material. Those searching for a nap might be better off looking elsewhere.

Indeed it could pay to wait for the concluding bumper, where the shrewd Donie Hassett gives Penny Rich his second racecourse start and the son of Little Bighorn looks the most reasonable bet against Avondale Illusion and Victor Boy.

The latter is a busy sort who looked to hold a first-rate chance in the handicap at Leopardstown, won by the 50 to 1 shot Your Cheatin Heart, only to crash at the last, while Avondale Illusion was a beaten favourite here on New Year's Day by Peggybarry.

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Penny Rich can't compare in experience, but there was a lot to like about his progress from the rear at Thurles in early December when just giving best inside the distance to County Captain.

Another option could be Andrew McNamara's Question Time in an opener where Shanko has to give weight away, a fact that could swing things to Question Time.

In the jackpot races, it's practically impossible to bank on anything, but Speed Board will have his supporters in the beginners' chase. Francis Flood's useful staying hurdler would probably prefer further, and his jumping has to be taken on trust, but Speed Board has his share of talent.

No Problem won the opening race of the millennium over the course and distance of the handicap chase and is given 12 stone. He faces All But again, but maybe his biggest threat will come from Hunters Chorus who was a runner-up to the in-form Carrigeen Lily at Punchestown last time.

Gallaher's Walk, third to Boston Melody and Keelaun Express at Clonmel last time, is a token choice in the women's race, while Eric McNamara's Dawn Vision is a speculative choice in the handicap.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column