1.30 Kuroshio At Compas Stallions Maiden 5f 205yds
Radiyka looks worth another chance to finally shed her maiden tag. The Dermot Weld-trained filly made a very encouraging debut at Leopardstown in June but failed to build on that run in subsequent starts. Considering she had a Group 1 winner and blacktype performer behind her on that initial outing, there is no doubting her ability. However, she will have major questions to answer if she can’t get the job done now.
Past Time, who was last seen, when second over this course and distance in the Birdcatcher, looks the principal threat. A consistent sort as a juvenile, she should definitely pick up a maiden at some stage and appears to have leading claims in this particular contest.
SELECTION: RADIYKA
Next best: Past Time
2.05 Smooth Daddy At Compas Stallions Handicap 5f 205yds
Half Nutz catches the eye on his debut for the Johnny Murtagh yard. A three-time course winner, the five-year-old is a very smart sprint handicapper on his day and may well have more to offer new connections. Although close to his highest handicap mark, the change of scenery may spark further improvement and returning to his favourite track is a significant advantage.
Abeona is an interesting runner on just her second start for Denise Foster. Winner of a Curragh maiden on her reappearance last season, she is sure to be well forward for this first assignment of the new campaign. Despite often giving trouble at the start, her new connections seem to have found the key in that respect.
SELECTION: HALF NUTZ
Next best: Abeona
2.40 Far Above At Compas Stallions Handicap 5f
Super Cub may be good enough to make a winning debut for Denis Hogan. A winner for previous connections at Ripon last year, the three-year-old has since joined the Tipperary trainer and doesn’t look too harshly treated off a mark of 77. With stable apprentice Sean Bowen taking off an additional 7lbs, the son of Invincible Spirit should be capable of running a big race.
Saliteh, another making her debut in this country, could also get involved. Colin Keane is a significant booking for the AMO Racing-owned contender. She has been fortunate with a high draw as well.
SELECTION: SUPER CUB
Next best: Saliteh
3.15 Compas Stallions Handicap 7f
Sounds Of Spring could prove the answer here; provided he stays the extra furlong. The Dark Angel gelding has some decent form to his name over sprint trips, with some of those better runs coming at this venue. While he has yet to conclusively prove that he stays seven furlongs, he is certainly worth chancing at this stage of his career. If the trip were to unlock further improvement, then he would have to go close.
Lust, who was most impressive when winning at Gowran on his final outing last year, could be a group horse in a handicap. He already holds a rating of 99 and could have more to offer this season.
SELECTION: SOUNDS OF SPRING
Next best: Lust
3.50 Madrid Handicap (Premier Handicap) 7f
Navagio has the look of a well handicapped colt who should be capable of better this season. The form of his maidens has been well franked in the interim and off a mark of 80 he could have got in lightly. Danny Sheehy takes off an additional 3lbs, making the son of Footstepsinthesand look a serious contender for what is traditionally one of the most informative of the early season handicaps.
Cowboy Justice, who was well touted prior to finishing second on his debut as a juvenile, went one better on his second start. Although disappointing when stepped into group company next time, he is entitled to have needed the experience on that occasion. He remains a horse very much to be interested in.
SELECTION: NAVAGIO
Next best: Cowboy Justice
4.25 Plusvital Devoy Stakes (Listed) 1m 2f
Licence could be anything, having had just the one start when easily landing his maiden at Gowran Park last year. It was the manner of that win rather than what he beat that impressed. The fact he is still a colt at the age of four and holds Group 1 entries later in the season must surely be significant. This may well be the first step on a journey that takes him to much bigger races in 2022.
Layfayette has a bit to find at these weights but runs well fresh and has probably had this prize as a target for some time. Last year’s Irish Lincoln winner, she progressed through the ranks as the season went on, running one of her best races when third here on her final start. Unlike one or two of her rivals here, she isn’t dependent on testing ground, so if the rain stays away, it won’t be an issue.
SELECTION: LICENCE
Next best: Layfayette
5.00 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden 1m
Tuesday, who was just beaten by a subsequent Group 1 winner on her debut, really ought to win easily. The Ballydoyle filly holds all the right entries in the upcoming classics and the bare form of her initial outing suggests she wouldn’t be out of place against the best of her sex. Despite not being granted the kindest of draws, she should be able to take care of this opposition before having her sights raised.
Esculenta was a progressive filly for Johnny Murtagh last season and should win her maiden in the coming months. However, she faces a stiff task on her reappearance, so may have to settle for a placed finish once again.
SELECTION: TUESDAY
Next best: Esculenta
5.30 Vote For Nina Carberry In The Dancing With The Stars Final Median Auction Race 1m
French Claim should be good enough to make a successful return. A very smart winner of his maiden at Listowel, the Paddy Twomey-trained colt ran better than his final placing when fourth in a strong Group 3 at Leopardstown. He holds Derby entries for the coming year and would be a lively outsider if he has trained on from last year.
Alizarine boasted strong form of her own during the last campaign, including when fourth in listed grade on her final start. However, the fact Paddy Twomey trained the winner of that aforementioned race should give him a fair idea what is needed here.
SELECTION: FRENCH CLAIM
Next best: Alizarine
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