Castletown-Geoghegan (2/10/2011)

14:00

4yo Maiden

There are a total of 20 entries for this and the pick on the ratings appears to be Willie Codd’s Dawn Commander a ¾ length third to the useful Get More at Sligo back in May just a week after tipping up when travelling well in a race won by Glenwood Present at Toomebridge.  These two races followed a pulled up debut effort behind Dannancey’s Hill who’s since been sold to join Donald McCain.  Ballymoat eventually finished third in the race in which Dawn Commander fell in at Toomebridge, that’s been his only start to date and he was staying on well enough on that occasion to suggest that there’ll be more to come from him this Autumn.    Aubrey De Vere was an early casualty at Rathcannon last week and given his entry here is presumably showing no ill effects of his exertions there, he ran well on debut at Askeaton back in February but it’s a concern that he’s failed to complete on his two subsequent starts both at Rathcannon.  The powerful yard of Colin Bowe could field the once raced ex-bumper horse Shinrock Beat who finished last on his only track appearance at Punchestown back in May, there’ll surely be more to come from him whilst Star Select has had just the one start when chasing home Walkabout Creek in a six finisher affair at Liscarroll at the end of March.  Of the  unraced entrants the most interesting for the future could well be Ciaran Murphy’s Dads Rose a Helissio filly out of Inch Rose who won a Warwick Maiden Chase eback in 1999 and was subsequently placed in the 4 miler at the Cheltenham Festival for Noel Chance.

 Selection: Dawn Commander

Alternative: Dads Rose

 14:30

5&6yo Mares Maiden

The consistent Ceithre Delta is likely to be one of the leading fancies for this Mares Maiden should connections choose to take up this engagement (also entered at Toomebridge) having finished runner-up on each of her last two starts, most notably when contesting a 6yo Mares Maiden at Loughanmore when partnered by Derek O’Connor.  Miss Katelyn from the County Wexford based Colin Bowe yard has improved with every run, having been pulled up on her debut in a confined Mares Maiden at Lingstown at the end of March she went on to finish fourth to the subsequent bumper winner Madam Bovary in a small field event at Maralin under Barry O’Neill.  Miss Katelyn’s most recent and best effort was at Toomebridge back in May when beaten just three lengths by Nanna Maura, she’s yet to race on anything other than good ground and it would be wrong to underestimate any runner from a yard who could also be represented by the once raced Definite Flyer, a Definite Article mare who’s only race experience so far was a tailed off effort in a Cork bumper back in August.  Nearly A Dream had a busy time of it in the Spring with five runs in the final 2 ½ months of the season and she ran well on each occasion.  Her best effort was probably when running Rapid Heartbeat to a length and a half in a Borris House Maiden and the form has been franked with two subsequent winners coming out of the race.  She was partnered by Jamie Codd on her most recent outing at Ballingarry and it will be interesting to see if he retains the ride here.   Of those coming from the track Wisteria Lady has shown arguably the best form when running a nine lengths fifth in a twenty runner Cork Maiden Hurdle back in March.

 Selection: Miss Katelyn

Alternative: Wisteria Lady

15:00

Winner Of Two (4yo+) Mdn Excl

A competitive looking early season winners race is the third race on the card and it could see the seasonal return of Athlacca banks race scorer Bringbackthebert from the Denis Murphy yard.  Bringbackthebert had looked to be regressing last season after a fall and a pulled up effort prior to breaking his Maiden in a 6yo’s race at Loughanmore, he then stepped right up into Open company at Athlacca and came with a late run to defeat Ballinahow Boy amongst others.  Denis Murphy will surely be looking for a good run here and one would imagine he’d be a candidate for the Punchestown banks races later in the season.  See Double You had been unraced for 18 months prior to his return at Necarne last season and he made it a winning one with an easy three length success from Bell On Bike in a Confined Hunt Winners race, which was his first points success since a Maiden victory at Clonakilty back in May 2008.  Livinonedge last start between the flags came when victorious in an Athlacca Maiden as a 4yo back in March 2009, he was then sold to Graham Roach and had two unsuccessful runs for Paul Nicholls the last of which was when pulled up at Exeter in February 2010.  It’s something of a concern that he hasn’t been seen in action since and he’s sure to improve for the outing.  Isle Of Gold is another who’s been racing under rules of late and he showed promise in each of three starts (one bumper, two hurdles) when finishing in the top six in each, his last points outing came in a similar race to this when beating subsequent Hunter Chase winner Viking Splash at Rockfield last November and a returning to pointing may result in a return to the winners enclosure for him. Lord Lir was asked a tough task two starts back when taking on the potentially top class Saint Roque in a Dromahane 5yo Maiden back in March but he ran well back in fourth and was victorious next time out when beating subsequent scorer Cadilac Jack by two lengths in a Ballyragget Maiden.   Of the remainder Instant Dream has shown promise in her past two starts when taking on her own sex and Liam Kenny’s mare is another who’s been off the track for a long time, this time with her last run coming at Largy in April 2010 whilst Johnnie Dillinger hasn’t been seen since pulling up in a Ballyragget winners back in March 2010.

 Selection: Lord Lir

Alternative: Bringbackthebert

15:30

5&6yo Geldings Maiden

A 29 horse entry for this Maiden so every chance that this will be run in two divisions.  On his final run of last season Bearly Legal would have to be a leading contender, he’d had jumping issues prior to this but his four length second to Warrants A Name would stand up to scrutiny in a race of this nature.  His prior starts had been mid-race falls at Stradbally and Loughanmore whilst he was last of five finishers when beaten a distance by Yes Way Hosay at Limavady in April.  Another cause for concern is his only previous run at this track came when pulled up in a Maiden back in April, though it’s possible to forgive that run as a bad mistake six out put paid to any chance he had.  Also in action on the last weekend of the season was Benistheman who was an 18 length fourth to Ontheslate at Kinsale, he’s one of few racing this weekend who were in action at Rathcannon last Sunday and it’s likely that he needed the run when pulled up in the 5&6yo geldings Maiden won by De Faoithesdream in a fast time, I’d expect to see winners coming out of that race in the coming weeks and Benistheman could well be the first of them.  Oscar Fern has had just the two runs in his short career so far, both coming at Dromahane in the Autumn season last year, the first being an eight length fifth to Friendly Society whilst the second was in a highly competitive Maiden won by Arkilly Gunner, he was pulled up on that occasion but there have been plenty of winners to emerge from the race so it’s well worth forgiving.  Banksandditches has had two bumper efforts since his last outing between the flags most recently when well beaten by Minella Humour at Gowran Park.  His best points effort in recent starts came when beaten 6 ½ lengths by Coastal Boy at Stradbally back in May, since when he’s fallen at Inchydoney.   Likewise Fear Glic has had two bumper starts for John Halley since he was last season in action in points and he ran with promise on both occasions, most recently at the Tramore Festival back in August whilst he was upsides the eventual winner when falling at the last in the Kinsale Maiden contested by Benistheman back in June.

 Selection: Oscar Fern

Alternative: Fear Glic

16:00

Open 4yo+ (Mdns Excl)

A high class early season open which features a number of dual entered horses for the weekend – most notably last seasons six time scorer Lord Multifix and the Rathcannon third Gaspar.  Lord Multifix was one of last seasons top performers and record Open victories at Loughbrickland and Largy late in the season whilst Gaspar’s placing at Rathcannon last week will surely give him a fitness edge over his rivals in this.  The ultra consistent Send For Paddy is another entered in both Open’s this weekend and whilst he’s ultra consistent he’s also held on last seasons form by Lord Multifix who was a place in front of them when they filled the first two placings at Loughbrickland.  Backstage used his 2010/11 points campaign as a prep for an assault on the Grand National at Aintree and he was successful on both his starts last campaign at Kirkistown in February and at The Pigeons in early March, things didn’t go to plan at Aintree and he’s had just the one subsequent start when pulling up in the Irish equivalent at Fairyhouse.  Hily Distinguished has been running well under rules of late most notably when finishing third in a Beginners Chase at Galway, his last start in this sphere resulted in a five length success in an Older Maiden at Largy back in April, he would appear to have to improve to figure in this whilst he was a ten length runner-up to Let The Show Begin when the pair met in a similar Maiden here at the April meeting.  Let The Show Begin has since finished unplaced in a Hunter Chase at Tramore and whilst that track doesn’t suit all horses he’s run well since when taking an Open at Oldcatle in April and running twice in three days at the Punchestown Festival over the Banks course, firstly when pulling up having taken the wrong course and latterly when beaten a short head by banks specialist Another Jewel in the La Touche Cup, a greater stamina test than this may suit him better though he’s a course and distance winner so should be respected. Of the remainder Save The Bacon has some form in decent races under rules though hasn’t been seen for nearly two years whilst Lasquini Du Moulin and Hoopy have both been hurdling on their most recent appearances.

 Selection: Gaspar

Alternative: Lord Multifix

16:30

7yo+ Maiden

A relatively weak looking Older Maiden to end the card with a nice blend of proven pointers and ex-track performers on show.  The race fit Wheres George is doubly engaged this weekend and could well run at Toomebridge on Saturday.  He was seen just last week when running fifth to Qoubilai whilst he’d previously been competitive in Maidens in the Spring.  Another who’s doubly engaged this weekend is Onefortheroad Mac and he ran arguably his best race ever two starts back when getting to within a length of breaking his Maiden at Toomebridge behind Cilliseal.  Quinnsbororosary is unraced since slipping up at Tinahely back in January but had previously run well when placed behind Lillymile in a Mares Maiden at Killashee 10 months ago.  Shane Kelly’s charge had previously been seen over hurdles and there’s been three subsequent winners come out of the Killashee race so the form has stood up well.  Maduma has managed just one outing in the past year – that coming on the track when beaten under ten lengths in a hurdle race at Thurles.  Prior to that he’d placed in his previous three starts between the flags in similar races to this though it’s worrying that he’s been off for so long whilst managing just four starts since May 2007.  Dark Vagabond has been tailed off twice under rules this Summer and whilst his Ballynoe placed effort in April 2010 reads well in the context of this race he’ll have to step up to figure.  

Selection: Wheres George

Alternative: Onefortheroad Mac

Toomebridge (1/10/2011)

Toomebridge

13:00 Dennison Commericals 4yo Maiden

The Mid-Antrim Hunt meeting gets underway with this intriguing 4yo Maiden with the sponsor fielding two of the entries in the shape of the unraced Westerner 4yo Ashtown and the Presenting gelding Balnaslow who showed promise on his three starts last Spring, including when a staying on fifth to Prince Ludovic at Loughbrickland in March, with two winners coming out of the race subsequently.  He was an expensive purchase as a foal and connections will be hoping he can step up from his debut season – possibly starting here.  Barlow represents the yard of Ian Ferguson and had the two runs last season, with a debut third to Captain Kelly followed up by a disappointing odds-on defeat at the hands of Cross Of Honour at Necarne, it’s possible that race came too soon after his debut but he was disappointing none the less.  Waterunder showed up for a long way on his sole start last season when beaten 23 lengths by Rye Martini at Lismore, he still had place chances when almost brought to a standstill at the second last on that occasion and he rates an interesting contender for Willie Codd.  Of the others Denis Murphy saddled a winner at Rathcannon last week and could be represented by the Luso gelding Go With It, Monkey Suit has had three runs in bumpers during the Summer starting at big prices on each occasion but may find the step up in trip and the addition of fences to his benefit whilst River Exit was in the leading bunch when coming to grief mid-race in the hot 4yo Maiden won by Champagne Fever at Quakerstown on his sole outing venture last season.

 Selection: Waterunder(NB)

Alternative: Barlow

13:30

McBurney Transport 5yo+ Mares Maiden

The second Mares Maiden of the season is held as the second race at Toomebridge and it could be a good opportunity for Ceithre Delta to reward her patient connections with a victory, she’s been placed runner up on each of her last two starts in similar races to this last Spring at Limavady and Loughanmore, when partnered by Champion jockey Derek O’Connor on the final occasion.  She’d previously shown up well in two Mares Maiden’s at Kirkistown having had a nice introduction when pulled up in a Mares Maiden that’s worked out well at Loughanmore last October, she also holds an engagement at Castletown-Geoghegan on Sunday.  Liam Lennon’s Winged Love mare Young Celebrity had a disappointing 2010/11 campaign managing just the two starts and she was beaten some way on each of them, finishing 26 lengths behind Queen Of The Air at Necarne and then 19 lengths behind Merramax on the final weekend of the season at Kinsale – this is in contrast to her debut season when she came within two lengths of breaking her maiden at the second attempt at Loughanmore.  Connections will surely be hoping for better should she opt to run here, though Liam Lennon also has Kissing Lessons, unplaced in a Southwell bumper in June last year engaged also.  Leigh Oscar has had just the one start to date for Neil McKnight, that coming at Loughbrickland back in March, ridden by Daniel Fitzsimmons she stayed on nicely into third that day when taking on some vastly more experienced mares.  Of the remainder improvement is expected from Kitty Oday who had one start when last of five, albeit not beaten far at Loughanmore in April whilst Maxwells Demon and Bach At Magills both showed promise last season.

Selection: Ceithre Delta

Alternative: Leigh Oscar

14:00

Robert Gault Winner Of One 4yo+ (Mdns Excl)

The winners of one is the third race on the card and it features a number of horses dropping back into points having spent the Summer racing under rules.  The pick of these could be Call Box who in spite of three poor showings over hurdles in the spring had previously shown some very useful form, most notably when running the potential track mare Robyns Pride to 5 ¼ lengths at The Pigeons in a similar race to this back in March.  Gardikos was last seen in action at the May meeting over this course in a two winner race and put in a fine effort in chasing home Court In Session and his winners race experience gained last season should stand him in good stead should connections opt to make this his seasonal debut.  Also in action at that May meeting was the Kevin Rooney trained Looks Like Dad who took home the older Maiden on that occasion, he was stepping up considerably on previous efforts in similar races and having shown little in two starts at Downpatrick later in May he’ll need to step up one what he’s shown so far to figure in this.  Quantico was last season tipping up at the final fence when running a big race in a similar race to this on the final weekend of last season at Ballingarry, that marked a return to one winner company having raced in two and three winner races since breaking his Maiden at Tallanstown’s April meeting, whilst Moulin Tour was another to be successful at that Tallanstown meeting, this time in the five and six year old geldings Maiden.  Moulin Tour has since run creditably in small field winners races and he’s still relatively lightly raced and open to improvement.

Selection: Call Box

Alternative: Gardikos

14:30

White River Hotel 5&6yo Geldings Maiden

There could be a maximum field of seventeen should all entrants take up this engagement for the 5&6yo geldings Maiden and one of the leading contenders could well be the Liam Lennon trained Highly Unlikely who was beaten just six lengths at Tallanstown in a 5yo geldings Maiden by Adios Alonso who’s won again since whilst the third has also won since.  This represents solid form and he could take all the beating providing he’s fit for this return.  The lightly raced Oscar Fern has had just the two starts to date, both coming at the Cork venue of Dromahane, the first resulted in a solid eight length fifth to Friendly Society back in November whilst he was pulled up the following month – that run is well worth forgiving as winners wise it was a red hot race with seven horses coming out and proving victorious.  He was disappointing on that occasion but it was just his second start so there’s likely to be improvement to come.  Hey R Fella has had just the three starts so far and was completing the course for the first time when running Miss Garbo to under a length in a Confined Winners race at Tyrella back in March, improved jumping most certainly helped on that occasion and he showed great resolution to stay on at the finish.  Colinward made his debut at this meeting in 2010 and showed promise when back in the field that day, he then went to Loughbrickland for a 5yo Maiden and was still in the hunt for the placings when falling at the last.  He’s not been seen out since which is a concern though on his second run he’s more than capable of being in the shake-up.

 Selection: Oscar Delta

Alternative: Colinward

15:00

Belfast City Auctions Open 4yo+ (Mdns Excl)

There’s eleven high class entries for this Open and they’re headed by the Ian Ferguson trained Simonsberg who’s won each of his last four starts between the flags by a minimum of five lengths.  The latest of these came back in June at Ballingarry when an odds-on favourite and that and his victory in April when again being sent off at odds-on at Largy sandwich an outing in the Champion Hunters Chase at the Punchestown Festival when he was still in contention behind the leaders when exiting three out.  Connections will no doubt hope that he returns in 2011/12 in as a good a heart as he ended 2010/11.  Simonsberg’s stablemate Bally Wall is another who could take up an engagement here and he’s been running well enough under rules, most notably when second in a Handicap Chase at Perth back in April when partnered by Keith Donoghue. Gaspar may attempt to gain compensation for Sunday’s exerts at Rathcannon when he’d led for much of the way before weakening into third behind Mattock Ranger.  Given the end time of the race and the timefigure achieved it’s likely the form will stand up well and James McAuley’s charge has a good record in the Autumn season.  Lord Multifix was one of two horses to notch up the maximum number of victories last season and his latest victory came back in April when victorious in a Largy Open, he’s had two subsequent Hunter Chase starts, the first being when beaten 22 lengths by Salsify at Fiaryhouse whilst the second was when beaten 19 lengths behind Jamsie Hall at Downpatrick in mid-May.  Nedzer’s Return could make a return to points after a seasons break and he hasn’t been since racing in points or under rules since a run in the 2010 Kerry National at Listowel.  He’d proven a useful performer in Points and Hunter Chases and signed off his 2010 campaign with a two winner victory at Killashee followed by wins in Hunter Chases at Fairyhouse and Downpatrick prior to departing mid-race in the Aintree Foxhunters.  Of the remainder Send For Paddy has proven highly consistent placing on his last six starts though he’s held on form by both Lord Multifix and Simonsberg on runs late last season.

 Selection: Simonsberg(NAP)

Alternative: Lord Multifix

15:30

Convery Trailers 7yo+ Geldings Maiden

A disappointing entry for this older Maiden with the form figures of most seemingly featuring more letters than numbers.  Nonetheless this looks sure to be a highly competitive affair and Wheres George who ran his best race when placed in a Maiden at Ballyragget back in March and was last seen just last week when beaten 13 lengths by Qoubilai in the Older Maiden at Rathcanno.  His supporters will be hoping for an improved effort this week and he brings race fitness with him which could prove an advantage in this.  Onefortheroad Mac was last seen falling at Necarne back in May but had previously run Cilliseal to a length at the meeting here earlier that month when partnered by Derek O’Connor and he’d previously finished a close up sixth in a Maralin Older Maiden in April.  These two come out best on the ratings though it would be wrong to rule out ex-track performers Carmels Boy who is coming back off a two year lay off having last been since when pulling up in a Chase at Gowran Park in October 2009, Harley Road who’s had just the two starts in a racing career spanning nearly three years, Not Before Eight who has run with credit in Chases during the spring prior to pulling up on his most recent out at Kilbeggan whilst Dhus Dilemma is another returning from a lay off having pulled up on his only start as a 6yo back in 2010.

Selection: Wheres George

Alternative: Onefortheroad Mac

The Castletown-Geoghegan preview will follow later in the week - good luck to one and all.

Rathcannon Preview

14:00 Tattersalls Ireland 4yo Maiden

• An interesting 4yo contest to open the card with the possibility that there could be as many as six newcomers amongst a maximum sixteen strong field.  The likely favourite is the Paul Gilligan trained Croco Rouge gelding Wonderhow who was in the process of running a fine race on debut when tipping up at the last in a similar race at Athlacca back in May, the John Nallen trained Minella For Ball was back in fifth that day and he also features amongst the entries.  The twice-raced Aubrey De Vere brings decent course form to the table having been in the process of running a solid race when falling at the last in a Maiden won by Tackmaster here at the end of February.  Of slight concern is his failure to reappear after that outing though connections may have felt he had had enough for his debut season with his only prior outing coming two weeks earlier when finishing fourth to Killiney Castle in a small field at Askeaton, trainer John Thomas McNamara has ridden him on both his starts so far.  Clear Hills would on the formbook at least appear to be the other leading contender and like Aubrey De Vere he too had two starts as a 4yo last season, he reached the frame on both occassions most notably on his second start when beaten six lengths by Beachdale Lad with subsequent winner Moscow Me back in fifth, that was the slower of two divisions of the race (Wonderhow contested the faster first division) and it will be interesting to see if he can go on from that here, he carries the famous Doran's Pride colours for trainer Michael Hourigan.  Hourigan also has the option of running newcomer Pa Murphy, a Wizard King gelding whilst John Gleeson has two possibles in the shape of Knockainey (Definite Article) and Mister Mahunker (Westerner).

Selection: Wonderhow
Alternative: Clear Hills



14:30 Gain Horse Feeds 5&6yo Mares Maiden
The first of the Gain Horse Feeds Mares races of the season takes place here with the consistent Definitechoice attempting to step up on her last three placed efforts in this.  The first of those came on good ground at Liscaroll in March behind the subsequently track placed Our Girl Lucy and with a winner and a number of placed horses coming out of the race the form has stood the test of time.  She subsequently registered placed efforts at Dromahane (to Katie Do) and Dawstown (to Simple As That) and she deserves to gain success in a Maiden such as this.  Definitechoice had Count Your Change behind in the Dromahane race and that mare was seen to good effect on the last weekend of the season when a staying on second at Ballingarry, she has also achieved several placings in her short career so far (4 from 7 starts) with her only disappointing effort coming at Athlacca when pulling up in the Mares Open race over the Banks course, any horse can be forgiven a poor effort first time out in a discipline and a return to regulation fences helped her at Ballingarry.  Flickofaswitch is yet another to bring good Maiden form to the table having finished runner-up in the Liscaroll race contested by Definitechoice back in March, she was probably slightly disappointing when running fourth to Katie Do at Dromahane (Definitechoice ahead of her on this occasion) and she contested the good Mares Bumper at Cork won by the Jimmy Mangan trained Jamie's Darling prior to a flags return when runner-up at Inchydoney.  Shanella had just two starts last season and was arguably disappointing - particularly given how close she'd come to breaking her Maiden in 2009/10 when chasing home the Colin Bowe trained Milderina on the last weekend of the season, her connections will be hoping she can bounce back to that form.  Of the ex-track performers Effortless ran some solid races under rules last winter and spring and is likely to go well if staying the trip.

Selection: Flickofaswitch
Alternative: Definitechoice


15:00 Pat Dooley Group Winner Of Two (4yo+) Mdn Excl
The first winners-of-two race of the season and there's an interesting blend of pointers and ex-track performers here headed by the Athlacca Banks race winner Bringbackthebert, some were surprised by his victory that day and he came from just off the pace to beat some experienced performes.  He'd broken his Maiden on his seventh points start in his previous race up in the North at Loughanmore and with two subsequent winners coming out of the race it looks a decent enough Maiden, his backers will be hoping he can continue his decent run of form in 2011/12 and he looks best on a sound surface so should have his conditions here though given connections you'd imagine a trip to Punchestown and possibly even an assault on the Crystal Cup races may be on the cards later in the season.  Isle Of Gold was last seen between the flags 10 months ago at Rockfield when beating Shark Hanlon's useful Viking Splash (a subsequent Hunter Chase winner) though he's been a shade disappointing under rules since then, he achieved a high rating that day which has since been vindicated by both the runner-up and the fact that three other winners have come out of the race.  Megatron has been beaten at least eight lengths on all his starts in winners races though he brings plenty of winners race experience to the table with is most notable performance in such races being last time out when chasing home the mare Katie Do at Loughanmore back in April.  Of those who've been racing on the track Eighttenten returns to points having had just one well beaten effort in a Clonmel bumper in June whilst Early June's best effort came when running third at Limerick in July but he's accomplished little on the track since.

Selection: Isle Of Gold
Alternative: Bringbackthebert



15:30 Tim McAuliffe 5&6yo Geldings Maiden
Potentially the most competitive race on the card with at least three of the entries bringing solid form to the table judged on last seasons efforts.  The most eyecatching for me was Gale Force Oscar who was in the middle of running a mighty race and travelling best in my opinion when coming to grief two out in a Loughanmore Maiden won by Bringbackthebert (runs previous race).  Gale Force Oscar had been given a gentle introduction to racing when pulled up on his debut at Avaune back in December and stepped up on that when staying on into third (albeit beaten 32 lengths) behind the potentially top class and subsequent Graded Hurdle winner Back In Focus at Kilfeacle in December, he was one of only five finishers that day and clearly handled the testing conditions well on that occasion.  He seems versatile in terms of ground given his last effort at Loughanmore and looks the one to beat her.  Another strong contender appear to be Ballyfinboy - a Great Palm gelding who had three starts in the final five weeks of last season, the best of which would appear to be the second of these when contesting a 5yo Maiden at Stradbally, no winners have emerged from the race though he was hampered three out and stayed on through beaten horses on this occasion.  On his final start he was a disappointing and well beaten sixth behind Warrants A Name at Ballingarry, it's possible that three runs in five weeks was too much for him at this early stage in his career and it will be interesting to see how he performers first time out.  Paddydcaddy ran twice in his debut season last year - most notably on his first start when chasing home the useful looking Instant Impacked at Dawstown at the start of May and was beaten some way at Ballingarry behind Gates Please on the final weekend and trainer Dan Lordan will be looking to him to break his Maiden in this.  Of the former rules horses Lord Rory finished runner-up at Punchestown in January but has disappointed in a number of runs since whilst Kings County Star is unraced since October 2010.  Mo Chappal Dhilis may make his debut as a 6yo in this for trainer James McAuley, the Dushyantor gelding runs in the colours of James Gough.

Selection: Gale Force Oscar (NAP)
Alternative: Paddydcaddy


16:00 Kearys Motors Open 4yo+ (Mdns Excl)
The highlight on the opening weekend of the new season would appear to be the return of the top class Open horse Tyrone Golden Rain who ended last season with a victory at Ballindenisk.  He also recorded Autumn victories at Castletown and Loughanmore last season though appears to have a preference for a softer surface.  He was an easy victor from Castle Lake at Ballindenisk on good to yielding and a reproduction of that form will surely see him tough to beat, Paurick O'Connor trains and he could give brother Derek a winner in the feature on the opening weekend of another title defence.  Tyrone Golden Rain has an interesting opponent in the shape of the owner-ridden Chrisdon Lady who's been partnered by Moira McElligott in her six most recent starts which have been characterised by their aggressive tactics, tactics which have seen them rewarded with three victories including in a Hunter Chase at Listowel in June and in the Mares Maiden at this meeting in September 2010.  This run could mark the pairs first start in Open company though they look more than capable of handling the step up in grade judged on that Listowel victory.  Gaspar has been a regular in these races in recent years though it's of some concern that he failed to reappear after a success from Session Or Ression at Ballydarragh in November last year.  That was his sixth start of a campaign which started off in this very race when beating the useful The Fox's Frolic by a length on good ground, his other victory came at the expense of Snowy Morning at Kilsheelan in October and both he and Tyrone Golden Rain will be looking to chase down Chrisdon Lady.  Mon Oiseau ran some good races last Spring, perhaps the best of which was when chasing home Rowdy Rampage in a Ladies Open on the final weekend of the season, prior to that he'd taken out a similar race under Katie Walsh at Stradbally.  Annacarton looked to be going to the very top two seasons ago and he continued to improve last season and proved his versatility with two victories in two days when taking out a Tramore Hunter Chase and a Dromahane Open back in April, he was however well beaten by Chrisdon Lady at Listowel and may be better suited to points racing.  There are a number of horses dropping back into points from rules racing with the Ted Walsh trained Battlefront having contested some decent enough races over the Summer perhaps the most notable.


Selection: Tyrone Golden Rain (NB)
Alternative: Chrisdon Lady


17:00 Clarkes Bar 7yo+ Maiden
An older Maiden rounds off the card at Rathcannon and there are eighteen entries in this.  As usual with a race of this nature there are a mixture of horses stepping back into points after a few runs on the track and older Maidens returning for another crack at glory.  The bottom horse Wheres George made a late appearance in a race of any description as a 7yo back in January and appeared to be improving last season with his efforts including a good third behind Lord Lir at Ballyragget back in May, that was his only placing from four starts and he disappointed somewhat next time out when failing to step up on that effort when running fifth at Borris to Ifonlyalfie, he will be looking to get off the mark at the first attempt this season and a reproduction of that Ballyraget effort may well be good enough.  Amongst his chief rivals is likely to be Eamonn O'Donovan's 8yo Four Or More who ran his two best races of a seventeen race career on his two most recent starts back in the spring when placed second at both Stradbally and Ballingarry in similar races to this.  He appears best on a fast surface so any rain in County Limerick will be detrimental to his chances of getting off the mark at the eighteenth attempt.  The opposite can be said for Checkoutmoscow who's two best efforts last season came on soft to heavy and heavy ground at Tralee when a distance second to West Cork Flash and at Killaloe when beaten less than fourteen lengths by Total Containment, he was pulled up behind Too Wild For Der who's since been competitive on the track on his final start of the season and though he's a 10yo he's relatively lightly raced and has clearly had his problems.  Of the former rules performers preference is for Close Comet who was placed over hurdles during the Spring but who hasn't been seen since pulling up at Listowel in June.

Selection: Close Comet
Alternative: Four Or More

Good luck to all pointing this weekend and most importantly I hope all jockeys and horses return safely.

Martin