1.25 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle 2m 3f
The race was very much in the balance when Ardeen Joy came down at the final flight in a similar contest at Limerick 16 days ago. Provided she is none the worse for that experience, she ought to go close in what looks a good opportunity to open her account.
Miss Jocund was disappointing on her return from a break at Killarney last month but a reproduction of her previous form would entitle her to be involved. Cheekpieces also go on. Her stablemate Spring Waltz is a recent point-to-point winner and looks worth a market check.
SELECTION: ARDEEN JOY
Next best: Miss Jocund
2.00 Randox Handicap Hurdle 2m 2f
Arcland wasn’t at his best around here last time and naturally mightn’t be getting any better at the age of 10, but he’s had two runs since returning from a break that should leave him spot on for something like this. The fitting of blinkers for the first time suggests connections mean business, 7lb claimer Eoghan Finegan has been booting in plenty of winners lately and this top-weight has course-and-distance winning form.
Goodie Girl never landed a blow on the flat recently after a slow start last time, but that was her first start since November and she’s likely to be much more forward for the run. She’s a dangerous player. Stablemate Liceo caught the eye running on over shorter last time and is one for the shortlist too.
SELECTION: ARCLAND
Next best: Goodie Girl
2.35 Denvir’s Of Downpatrick (Q.R.) Handicap Hurdle (Div I) 2m 6f
Steps In The Sand has gone the right way on the flat since her last win over hurdles, and if she’s able to raise her game over flights, she could be on a nice mark of 92. She finished mid-field in a strong Curragh handicap last time, suggesting she could be taking a step in the right direction, and she’s a course winner, although she did disappoint when last seen over hurdles in August.
Nakassama only just failed in an Ayr handicap hurdle last time and should give this another good rattle. The ability he showed on his last flat start at the Galway Festival last year indicated he could be on a workable hurdles mark. Hackensack and Andyourbirdcansing aren’t out of the equation.
SELECTION: STEPS IN THE SAND
Next best: Nakassama
3.10 Denvir’s Of Downpatrick (Q.R.) Handicap Hurdle (Div II) 2m 6f
Nothing Hectic was able to win a maiden hurdle last summer as 5/4 favourite but was sent off 33/1 for her comeback run at Cork last month after a 226-day layoff. She ran a reasonable race in mid-field, not helped by a faller in front of her at the third last, and she should naturally come forward for that reappearance. The champion amateur Patrick Mullins is booked and this lightly-raced hurdler is back down in grade.
Hey Babbs has the addition of first-time cheekpieces after a solid third over three miles at Bellewstown eight weeks ago. Antoine De Paris hasn’t set the world alight in maidens but could be a different proposition now handicapping. Moonshine Girl and True Harmony have been knocking on the door lately.
SELECTION: NOTHING HECTIC
Next best: Hey Babbs
3.45 Join Racing TV Now With A Free Trial Handicap Chase
2m 3f 100yd
Parkgarve was safely held at Tramore in beginners’ company a fortnight ago, but that experience should stand to him now and his best hurdles efforts have come at this venue. In a weak contest, he’s got a few factors coming together in his favour and is a few pounds lower than the pick of his hurdles form.
Driveonwill defied being wrong at the weights to win here three weeks ago and his rider’s claim helps offset that hike now. Finnians Row went up 7lb for winning here last time too and he’ll appreciate these conditions.
SELECTION: PARKGARVE
Next best: Driveonwill
4.20 C. Russell Auto Sales
Beginners Chase 2m 7f 150yd
These race conditions appear to suit the mare Saunton Surf quite well. She’s got a mark of 98 over hurdles in a race restricted to those rated 100 or less, and she gets a 7lb mares’ allowance from the geldings. Her near miss at this track last time is one of the better pieces of recent form on offer here. She needs to prove her stamina for the trip, but she does look the likeliest candidate.
A mark of 88 leaves Tropical Image with a little to find. However, she comes here in fine form and the trip won’t be a concern. Coppola had been consistent prior to a disappointing Kilbeggan run last time, while Anodandawink would have a squeak if back to the sort of form of his penultimate start over hurdles.
SELECTION: SAUNTON SURF
Next best: Coppola
4.55 Kevin Ross Bloodstock Handicap Chase 2m 7f 150yd
Miss Lia disappointed at Wexford last time but had some sound runs just before that, including a second over hurdles around here in March, and she’s 5lb lower than last time now switching to fences. She plugged away over an inadequate trip on her only other chasing start, and this stamina test will be much more to her liking. Her 7lb claimer is amongst the winners already this week.
Rajjnatin has shown glimmers of promise this year and Caragh Monaghan’s 7lb claim takes him down to a feather weight, having run reasonably in fourth at Kilbeggan a fortnight ago. The Rebel County and Shantou Show will enjoy this drop in class. Doyen Wolf and Fr Gilligansvoyge have been running well lately.
SELECTION: MISS LIA
Next best: Rajjnatin
5.30 Tote Guarantee, Never
Beaten By SP INH Flat Race
2m 3f
Willie and Patrick Mullins have afforded plenty of time to Katie Can’t Count, now a six-year-old, and she has the profile to make an immediate impact on debut here. The Order Of St George mare is a half-sister to the stable’s dual listed-winning hurdler My Sister Sarah.
Duck Hunter was sent off 2/1 favourite for her sole point-to-point start 27 days ago when pulled up, so she’s worth a second look in the market here. Flashy Fred finished third on his only appearance between the flags at Ballindenisk four weeks ago. Keep an eye out for debutant Mevoila A Vassy in the market, while Dermot McLoughlin’s Walk In The Park four-year-old Mule Skinner showed promise on the first of two point-to-point runs.
SELECTION: KATIE CAN’T COUNT
Next best: Mule Skinner