Point-to-Point Ratings

THERE were no shortage of eye-catching performers last Sunday including in the Ballindenisk opener when Shanagh Bob (94+) defeated a full field of rivals.

Always to the fore, he contributed to a strong gallop which was maintained throughout but it was the manner in which he finished out his race, in spite of making an error at the last, which was particularly striking. A lesser horse would likely have folded with the error, but he swiftly picked up to clock a time 16 seconds quicker than the average and win a race that was won in similarly impressive fashion two years ago by Journey With Me (also by Mahler). In beating 14 rivals confidence can be taken from the performance.

The Doyen Chief (92+) disposed of 10 rivals to win the five-year-old maiden on this card. He had been strongly fancied for his debut at Lingstown a week earlier only to fall at the first, but he swiftly made amends and was in control some way out.

Ideal Des Bordes (94+) had to defeat two more experienced form horses as he clocked another quick time to take the Quakerstown opener. He showed plenty of pace in bursting to the front and looks likely to graduate to a high level.

What’s Up Darling (93+) impressed from the front to win as he pleased by 13 lengths. He looks to be another potential star to have come through the Costello academy.

At Corbeagh House, The Blind Piper (102+) recorded a second consecutive wide-margin victory in the winners’ division and is creating quite the impression for himself with this belated swift rise through the ranks. He is going to be a leading contender for a maiden hunter chase on this evidence.