With all that is going on, it would be easy to overlook that today marks the start of the Flat season in Ireland.
How much the schedule will be adhered to is yet to be determined but there is a Listed race at Naas this Monday in which marks the reappearance of last year’s Epsom Derby favourite.
Devoy Stakes Betting
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Sir Dragonet | 4/5 | 4/6 | 4/5 |
| Brogue | 4/1 | 3/1 | 4/1 |
| Numerian | 7/1 | 15/2 | 6/1 |
| Halimi | 10/1 | 10/1 | 8/1 |
| Nickajack Cave | 14/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 |
| Insignia Of Rank | 28/1 | 40/1 | 25/1 |
| Satisfy | 80/1 | 150/1 | 100/1 |
(Betting Odds were taken from Betvictor, Paddy Power & Coral on March 22, 2020 at 16.45 GMT)
Horse Racing Betting at Coral
Table of Contents
All eyes on Ballydoyle star on return to action
Aidan O’Brien is using the Devoy Stakes as a launchpad for last year’s Derby favourite Sir Dragonet.
He didn’t make his debut until the end of April last year when an impressive winner at Tipperary. He then won the Chester Vase by eight lengths and started favpurite for the Epsom Derby in June.
That proved a step too far but he still finished fifth and was later fourth in the St Leger at Doncaster.
He is a best 4/5 at Coral but his trainer thinks he may need the run and he is also giving weight to his six rivals.
Brogue looks to build on winning start
Dermot Weld’s Brogue is a son of Frankel but hasn’t raced since making a winning debut at Cork last May.
That race has produced a few winners but his lengthy absence is clearly a concern, though everything starts with a clean slate today.
Though improvement is likely this year, the general 4/1 gives nothing away.
Numerian has plenty still to prove on Turf
Though only caught close home in a decent handicap at the Curragh last year, Joseph O’Brien’s Numerian still has to prove as effective on Turf as he is on the all-weather.
The Holy Roman Emperor gelding was placed in a Group 3 at Dundalk back in September but both wins have come on the Polytrack and there isn’t a lot of confidence behind him at Naas at the 15/2 with Paddy Power.
Halimi has plenty in his favour
On official ratings, Halimi has little chance against Sir Dragonet receiving only 3lb.
But Jim Bolger’s tough colt did run cracking races at Naas at the back-end of last season, winning over course and distance on soft to heavy ground in October.
The cheekpieces have brought about improvement and there’s a good chance he will earn a few more euros for Godolphin this year, given the opportunity. With fitness unlikely to be an issue and stamina proven, there is a case for a second look at 10/1 with Paddy Power.
Predictions
Sir Dragonet is the obvious choice as he isn’t short of class but there are just fears that carrying a big weight on heavy going at the start of the season may not be ideal.
HALIMI is a tough and genuine sort and, though in the favourite’s league in terms of ability, seems sure to go well at decent odds compared to that of the untried Brogue and all-weather specialist Numerian.
£20 Risk Free First Bet with Paddy Power with money back as cash if it loses.
Who can take part?
New customers only. Available to residents of UK or Republic of Ireland.
How and when can I qualify?
Open a new account using promo code YSKAEE
Deposit a minimum of £20 using a Debit/Credit Card or Apple Pay
Place a Sportsbook bet. For the purposes of this promotion, your first ever bet will be counted as the qualifying bet.
Qualifying requirements must be completed within 90 days of account opening
What can I win?
If your qualifying bet is settled as a loser we will refund you stake in CASH
Maximum refund is £20
