In the frame on his last four jumps outings a maiden success is surely forthcoming for Paul Flynn’s gelding. Whether that comes here remains to be seen, with a couple of lightly raced types also showing promise, however he’s likely to be an each-way sort of price to cover off that angle. He’s likely to take them along from the front, and has the added benefit of Jack Foley in the saddle taking off 7lb to offset some of the weight he has to give all-round.
While it’s only an extra furlong further than his last two outings, the extra distance could be all that’s required for Phillip Rothwell’s charge. Having had a pipe opener at Leopardstown at March, he built on that and then some, when making smooth progress before coming down at the final flight at Kilbeggan in May just as he was about to throw it down to the eventual winner. The 5yo got round next time at Punchestown, again, making the best of his way home late on, to finish a staying on third. The handicapper has nudged him up a couple of pounds, but with the talented Hugh Morgan in the saddle, he’s able to take off 5lb.
Plenty of these have shown promise in their short hurdling careers, but the shortest of them all comes courtesy of Asserted. Joseph O’Brien’s gelding overcame a 798 absence to get off the mark at the first time of asking under rules at Kilbeggan, responding to pressure in taking fashion. He looked booked for third turning in, but answered Shane Fitzgerald’s urges to win going away, culminating in a 4l victory. This is over a furlong shorter, so the claimer might want his partner closer to the action this time, but he’s an intriguing contender second time up.
Padraig Roche’s mare split Cheltenham Festival winner Mount Ida and Grade 2 winner Elimay over fences in April, so is clearly talented on a going day. She’s reverted to the smaller obstacles since, finishing a very pleasing third off this mark at Punchestown seven weeks ago. That performance can be marked up somewhat, as many of those that finished in the mix came from off the pace, while the grey contested the lead most of the way. Her hurdles mark remains well below her chase rating, but one suspects the gap in her quality between the disciplines is less than the difference in official ratings.
The only racecourse in County Mayo, Ballinrobe is home to both flat and national hunt racing from May to September. A short, downhill run-in of less than a furlong means speedier types are favoured, with precious little time to make up ground from in behind.
Winner of the Best Racecourse in Ireland award back in 2012, the facilities at Ballinrobe are well regarded, with competitive racing and top-notch viewing areas meaning cards are often well supported.
