Breaking: Analysts Favor Anmaat Over Favorite Delacroix in Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes; Ballydoyle’s Ace Faces Challenges 🐎
In a surprising turn, three experts from the Sporting Life Racing Podcast have tipped Anmaat as their preferred horse for Saturday’s Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes, rather than the clear favorite Delacroix. The three analysts, Billy Nash, Graham Cunningham, and Ben Linfoot, raised doubts about Delacroix’s ability and class, with Linfoot even suggesting Delacroix might be better suited to a mile race later in the season. They praised Anmaat’s recent form, including his second-place finish in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, and his liking for soft ground, which is expected at Leopardstown. However, Fran Berry introduces another threat to the race with Shin Emperor, the Japanese raider who finished fourth in last year’s running, and Zahrann, an unexposed colt with impressive wins in maiden and listed races. With rain expected and the track’s unique quirks, bets on Delacroix might be risky, keeping the race wide open. Stay tuned for more updates! 💦🔥
Headline: Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes: Three Pundits Favor Anmaat Over Delacroix
The Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes is set to be a thrilling showdown on Saturday, with punters and pundits alike eagerly discussing the potential outcomes. While Delacroix is currently the favorite, three esteemed pundits from the Sporting Life Racing Podcast believe that Anmaat is the horse to bet on.
Billy Nash: The Leopardstown Factor
Billy Nash, a prominent voice in the podcast, argued that the race could set up perfectly for Anmaat and White Birch due to the expected soft ground at Leopardstown. He noted that both horses like an ease in the ground and are coming into the race fresh.
“Delacroix is the one to beat, obviously, but the ground at Leopardstown might actually help Anmaat more,” Nash said. “He’s run two really good races this year, and we know he likes a bit of cut in the ground. If Ballydoyle rides aggressively, as they’ve said they will, it could play into Anmaat’s hands.”
Graham Cunningham: Delacroix’s Questions and Anmaat’s Potential
Graham Cunningham echoed Nash’s sentiments, pointing out potential chinks in Delacroix’s armor. He cited Delacroix’s less-than-convincing performances in the Derby and at York, and questioned how Aidan O’Brien’s team will ride the favorite.
“I’m not sure Delacroix is quite as good as Aidan tells us he is,” Cunningham said. “I’m tempted by Anmaat. He might not be the type to typically win this race, but his recent form is exceptional, and the rain and his high cruising speed should make him very hard to beat.”
Ben Linfoot: A Fresh Anmaat Could Spring a Surprise
Ben Linfoot also weighed in, agreeing that Anmaat should be the one to take on Delacroix. He praised Anmaat’s freshness and his affinity for the expected going.
“I’ll be taking on Delacroix with Anmaat,” Linfoot stated. “He goes well fresh, he loves the ground, and with Chris Hayes on board, who knows Leopardstown like the back of his hand, I think Anmaat could be the one to beat.”
Did You Know?
- Anmaat’s Last Two Races Were Wins: Before the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, Anmaat won the Group 1 Dubai Turf at Meydan in March. This form speaks volumes about his abilities.
- White Birch’s Unpredictability: While Nash and Cunningham both mentioned White Birch as a contender, Fran Berry described him as an “enigma” due to the limited racing we’ve seen from him.
Pro Tip: Keep Your Eyes on the Market
The betting market can often lead the way. Keep a close eye on the odds for both Anmaat and Delacroix leading into the race. A significant movement in odds could signal punters’ sentiments and provide valuable insights.
What about Shin Emperor and Zahrann?
Fran Berry highlighted two other horses to watch: the Japanese raider Shin Emperor and the unexposed Zahrann. Berry believes both could pose serious threats in the right conditions.
FAQ
Q: Isn’t Delacroix the favorite for a reason?
A: Yes, Delacroix’s form speaks for itself, but the three pundits pointed out potential weaknesses and favorable conditions for Anmaat.
Q: How big a deal is the soft ground?
A: The soft ground could play a significant role, favoring horses that like the cut in the ground like Anmaat.
Join the Conversation
Which horse are you backing in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s discuss the potential outcomes of this thrilling race. Don’t forget to explore more of 247sports.new’s coverage of the Irish racing scene, and sign up for our newsletter to receive exclusive insights and predictions straight to your inbox.