Sunday Independent Tipster

Benny Cake

Anybody get todays Sunday Independent? Twas gone by the time I got to the shop, just wondering what their tipster reccomended this week, ive been following him for about a month and have done quite well.......
Thanks

Benny Cake

Just found it online; here it is if yer interested......

Sunday April 05 2009
DURING the twilight of last Sunday's Guineas trials at Leopardstown, Jim Bolger was asked about his seasonal hopes regarding inmates yet to be seen this year. He was keen to mention Gan Amhras, adding: "He's my Derby horse."

Coming from the trainer of last year's Epsom winner (his first), that is significant and it seems that the colt has escaped people's memories. Furthermore, like New Approach and the brilliant unbeaten Teofilo, Gan Amhras is a son of Galileo with smart juvenile form.

Admittedly, he did not emulate the efforts of those two as a two-year-old, but Bolger recalled that the ground last summer restricted his planning. When it dried out, he was an impressive winner of what was a very strong Naas maiden over a mile. He had three lengths in hand over Masterofthehorse, which is actually shorter in the betting for Epsom, having finished a close third in the Beresford last September.

Gan Amhras excelled himself, particularly given that conditions underfoot were not ideal, when finishing second in the Goffs Million on only his third start. Furthermore, that was over seven furlongs and everything about Gan Amhras implies that he needs a mile at the very least.

In finishing second, he was a length in front of subsequent Dewhurst winner and stablemate Intense Focus, which had more experience at that stage and was arguably running over his optimum distance.

Gan Amhras is out of a Darshaan mare and, while it is not certain that he will stay the Derby distance, the implication from his pedigree is that he will and he shapes as though he is a middle-distance horse in waiting. Bolger may well start him off in the Ballysax trial at Leopardstown -- just as Galileo did in 2001 -- and that will give a strong indication as to where he stands for the season ahead.

Should he fail to stay, it may be that he will be aimed at the Irish Guineas, but I would be very surprised if Gan Amhras floundered this year because of a lack of stamina. Bolger, moreover, reports that he has done very well over the winter.

There is no outstanding candidate for the Derby. The feeling remains that Aidan O'Brien has yet to reveal his hand, but even he probably does not know what will mature into his main hope later on. John Oxx's Sea The Stars is interesting but only 10/1 and could be a vulnerable stayer as a son of Cape Cross. Likewise, Racing Post Trophy victor Crowded House hardly offers much value at 7/1. Gan Amhras -- "very much an Epsom type" according to his trainer -- has enough going for him to justify a bet at 33/1.

At Limerick today, Financial Reward looks an unlikely stayer over three miles in the novices' chase, has to give weight to the rest and ran a shocker last time. Take him on in the place market.

Finally, Galway are excellent value in the NHL against a Tipperary team minus both of the Kellys.

Recommendations

Gan Amhras to win the Epsom Derby

1pt win at 33/1 (Ladbrokes)

Galway to beat Tipperary

1pt at 4/5 (Hills)

Lay Of The Week

Financial Reward to place in Limerick

1pt at 2.3 approx (1.3pt liability, Betfair)