These top horses could be destined for great things in 2018
With every passing season, we see new horse racing legends come onto the scene, and much loved favourites go into a well deserved retirement. For horse lovers, one of the biggest thrills is keeping track of some of the novice events, and trying to spot the next Best Mate, Kingston Town or even Phar Lap.
If in doubt, ask the tipsters
We all know that horse racing and betting is big business, particularly in the internet age, where distance becomes an irrelevance and information is plentiful. The team at Racing Tips keep a close eye on what is happening at every location and at all levels of horse racing. They have singled out some of the most promising horses that could be big winners over the coming months and years. And if you can’t wait that long, there are more tips available here for forthcoming race meetings around the world.
Stormy Ireland – trained by Willie Mullins
Willie Mullins is a legend in the training business and has brought countless high profile winners to full fitness, including 2005 Grand National winner Hedgehunter. Could Stormy Ireland be his next superstar? The four year old filly won by an amazing 58 lengths on debut, and there is no doubt that Mullins will be eager to raise her grade significantly to find out what she is really made of. Watch out for her in the Triumph Hurdle, the opening race on the final day at the Cheltenham Festival.
Sam Brown – trained by Anthony Honeyball
Here’s a horse with a serious turn of pace. This Black Sam Bellamy gelding took on all comers in his debut year, and followed it up with a storming performance at Wincanton. The six year old could make a real name for himself and his trainer with a strong performance in the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle on Cheltenham Cup Day. Some bookmakers are still offering 30/1, and if you find one, lay down an each way bet now.
Paisley Park – trained by Emma Lavelle
Another six year old who has burst onto the scene full of promise, Paisley Park picked up his first win at Hereford in December, striding out confidently to win by seven lengths, and followed it up with an impressive second place to Mr Whipped at Warwick in mid-January. The horse has a look of quiet capability about him, and could be one of the best stayers to watch in the coming months. He will race again at Kempton on 09 February, before heading down to Cheltenham for the Ballymore Novices Hurdle on Ladies Day.
Speak Easy – trained by Joseph O’Brien
This five year old gelding is another that won on debut, and crucially looked to have plenty in reserve. His victory at Naas came against high quality opposition, too, and this is one horse that the experts in Ireland are getting mighty excited about. He will only get better with experience, so it is a shame that O’Brien is not taking him to Cheltenham, but his time will undoubtedly come.
