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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Going reports

Sun 6th Oct 2013, 10:52

Captain Cee Bee, left, Captain Cee Bee, left,
© Photo Healy Racing

There was no rain overnight so the going in Tipperary is yielding on the flat track and good on the National Hunt tracks today.

The eight-race card commences at 2.05pm. Dermot Weld's Big Break is the 11/8 favourite for the featured flat race on the card - the Group 3 Concorde Stakes. She has already won at this level last season and was fourth in the Irish 1,000 Guineas in May.

Over the jumps there are three Graded races to enjoy. The 12-year-old Captain Cee Bee is out to retain the Grade 2 Friends Of Tipperary Hurdle and is the favourite in this eight-runner contest. This is his first run since January.

The Dolores Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle (Grade 3) sees a clash between Curley Bill and Que Pasa with bookmakers finding it hard to split the pair. Rebel Fitz goes for his five-timer in the Grade 3 Like A Butterfly Chase and is long odds on to complete it. The Galway Hurdle winner was particularly impressive over fences last-time out. Owega Star looks the main danger.

It's Arc day in Longchamp and there are plenty of Irish raiders looking to bring money home from this valuable card. The going remains soft.

Sole Power, Maarek and Cape Of Approval go in the Group 1 Prix de l'Abbaye, Wonderfully contests the Prix Marcel Boussac while Wilshire Boulevard flies the Irish flag in the Grand Criterium.

In the Arc, Ireland is represented by the Aidan O'Brien pair Leading Light (St Leger winner) and Epsom Derby hero Ruler Of The World. The winner of this iconic race pockets more than £2.2 million. It is off at 3.15pm.

Tom Hogan's Gordon Lord Byron and Eddie Lynam's Viztoria appear to have great chances in the Prix de la Foret. Gordon Lord Byron goes for a repeat success after taking this last year. Johnny Murtagh is on board this time instead of William Buick.

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.