Annaghmore Preview

THE card for the first meeting of 2024 can be viewed at www.irishharnessracing.com.

At time of going to print the all-important post positions had not been drawn for. Three races with very few runners bookend two competitive looking contests.

RHYDS SHADY AFFAIR is bred to win a better race than the opener, a grade G contest,

JUST IN TIME steps up into all-age competition in the grade E to F trot and will be fancied. IMMACULATA kept blotting her copy book in 2023. John Richardson has the choice of two here and his pick should be noted.

The B to E pace pits some experienced types against each other. The poor spring weather gives a big advantage to trainers with a track of their own. The Kane and Meadowbranch runners tick that box.

MEADOWBRANCH BOBBY got a typical John Richardson gentle introduction at three. Bath Lane and Gentleman Jim both benefitted from JR’s patient first season. Stable companions LETS GET TO IT and SWEET CAROLINE will be as fit and market moves should be noted.

The Liam Wallace C class drivers’ series is a nice tribute to the trainer who nurtured countless young drivers. The drivers are effectively apprentices and there will be a lot of pride at stake. The first bend will be no place for the faint hearted. The draw will be crucial. ALEXANDER CAMDEN comes from a yard that can get one ready. I’M GREAT HANOVER is bred for The Big Apple, more so than the Orchard County but the driver is inexperienced. BENNY CAMDEN has mixed with top company in his time. ONE COOL TOUCH could land a touch as John Boy Roche always gets the best out of the gelding.

There are question marks about all three runners in the concluding grade C to D trot. John Richardson seems to have mastered containing DUSTY JIEL’s undoubted speed.

Annaghmore Raceway is six miles West of Richill if travelling from the south. The track is at J13 M1 if coming from the north. First race 2pm.