Masterstonemason – 2.51 Limerick – 2 Mile Handicap Hurdle – 80/1 Bet365, Ladbrokes, Coral – BOG – 1 Point Each Way.
The 8-year-old Masterstonemason is owned and trained by F Costello, who has just has a small string of horses.
His claim to fame was finishing second (by four lengths) to Champion Hurdle winner Espoir D’Allen in a juvenile hurdle giving him 6lb.
Masterstonemason didn’t go on to be anywhere near as good but did win a maiden hurdle and campaigned competitively off handicap marks between 110-120.
He went chasing in 2021 but was never a natural, and after falling lost his confidence and was reluctant to race over chases.
Connections quite rightly gave him a mini-break and Masterstonemason returned to action recently in February over hurdles where he was pulled up.
Looking back he always needs his first run back off a break but then steps on his second start, so that makes him look interesting today.
He runs here off a career-low mark of 96 over his ideal trip, and whilst he does need to bounce back there is every reason to think he will do in a race that looks weak by Irish standards.
His prominent racing style is suited to Limerick and at odds of 80/1 with Bet365, Ladbrokes, and Coral who all offer BOG and 4 places he looks a good 1 point each-way play.
He is still value at 40/1.
Please make sure you back best odds guaranteed as whilst his price will shorten after we back him, I doubt there will be any other market confidence, and by the off, I’m expecting him to drift out to 100/1+. He will probably be massive on Betfair Exchange at the off.
