Former Group One-winning jockey Fran Berry previews the latest Irish action
Free racing tips: Fran Berry preview ahead of Tuesday card at Roscommon
By Fran Berry
Horse Racing
Wed August 19, 2020 · 4y ago
Fran Berry is heading to Roscommon on Tuesday evening and he has two selections for the card including an Aidan O'Brien-trained runner in the 3yo+ maiden.
Recommended Bets: Tuesday August 18
1pt win Darkest in 5.15 Roscommon at 5/1
1pt e.w Grace To Grace in 7.15 Roscommon at 5/1
For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record
There has been a lot of rain at Roscommon and the ground is heavy, so it’s going to be deep, holding ground and it won’t be ideal for a lot of horses.
I think it could bring out the best in Aidan O’Brien’s DARKEST, though, and at 5/1 (bet365) she’s worth a punt in the J.F. Hanley Maiden at 5.15.
Both Big White Chief and Teed Up are greatly respected on form, but I’m not convinced either will be suited by track conditions and that’s not the case with Darkest.
She’s not the most straightforward and wears blinkers, but when she did get soft-heavy ground once at Naas last season it was her best run by a long way.
Being drawn in 12, wide of the field, is not a negative for her and she’s worth a chance on this ground, despite coming with a wealth warning.
Finally, GRACE TO GRACE is the one to be on in the Sean Cleary Memorial Handicap, the last race on the card at 7.15.
There are a few non-runners in this and we’re down to 11 runners, but Sky Bet are still paying four places on each-way bets as long as 10 or more line up.
With that in mind Grace To Grace is worth an each-way bet with them, as she was a winner on soft-heavy ground at Galway last October and those were the most testing conditions she’s ever faced.
Her run in fourth at the Galway Festival a few weeks ago was very good in the context of this race and given it took her five or six runs to find her form last year she might just be coming good now.
With Mikey Sheehy taking off 7lb she’s worth an each-way bet at 5s.
Posted at 1210 BST on 18/08/20
Responsible gambling
We are committed in our support of responsible gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, or visit begambleaware.org.
Further support and information can be found at GamCare and gamblingtherapy.org.