Thyestes Chase declarations for Thursday plus €30 in free bets Big old fashioned chasers heading into battle in big betting races, ahead of major meetings brings unbridled joy to punters, especially at this time of year. The historic and gruelling Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park allows bettors the opportunity to grab some incredible value as 18 high-class chasers have been declared for Thursday’s contest over three miles and one furlong. At around 7-1 the field, it is well worth having a bet and you can also grab €30 in free bets to spend on the racing. Current market leader is Cheltenham Festival winner Angels Dawn, for trainer Sam Curling. A daughter of Yeats and a tough stayer, this has been a major target for the popular mare and she is likely to improve for her recent outings under the in-form Phillip Enright. Gordon Elliott has won this contest twice in the last six years and his big hope is Dunboyne, who was beaten a short head in this race last year. Ridden by Jack Kennedy and prominent in the market, he finished fourth behind Angels Dawn in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham but is expected by many to reverse the form today and go one better this year. Elliott’s five other contenders include; Fakir D’alene, third in the Troytown last time; Munster National winner Gevrey under Sam Ewing; Frontal Assault, sixth in this contest last year; Diol Ker, who should not be ruled out at a double-figure price and at the bottom of the weights Royal Thief, who was an admirable sixth in last year’s Kim Muir. Willie Mullins has a formidable record in this race, having won three of the last five renewals. Glengouly is the most fancied of his runners. A lightly-raced type, who will relish the heavy conditions and takes a drop in class from Listed company, he is the mount of Paul Townend. Stablemate Bronn has lost his way on his last two outings having previously finished third in two Grade 1 contests and as such carries top weight of 11-12. Ontheropes completes the Mullins contingent. Barry Connell has his yard in good form and his sole runner Espanito Bello was fifth in this last year, however carries a lot more weight this time round and appears to be in the grips of the handicapper. Longhouse Poet won the race in 2022 but is another who may struggle with the weight for Martin Brassil. Smart stayer Any Second Now who finished second in the 2022 Aintree Grand National for Ted Walsh is likely to be popular in the betting. Ain't That A Shame was last seen pulling up in the Troytown, however Henry de Bromhead’s charge has winning form at Gowran Park. Stablemate, Shantreusse, finished second in the Listed Foxrock Handicap Chase last time and will appreciate the heavy conditions. Stormy Judge and Street Value are both mud lovers and enjoy a trip, while Macs Charm who showed decent form last season, has pulled up on both runs this season.
