Kinsale (30/10/2011)

13:00 www.kinsale.ie 4yo Maiden

Asktheyank has had three starts without completing for owner Rita Byrne, each time with a different jockey aboard though that doesn’t tell the whole story as he was running the best race of the three last week at Glenbane and was still up with the leaders when coming to grief three from home and a repeat of that performance could see him in the shake up.  Aubrey De Vere is another with completion issues in as much as he’s completed just once in three starts, that being on debut at Askeaton back in February, the form doesn’t look great with the winner being well beaten on all starts under rules and the runner-up finishing well beaten (though placed) in a British Point back in April.  He made his seasonal return at Rathcannon last month and connections didn’t get much of a run given he ballooned the second and unshipped trainer/rider JT McNamara.  Bakers Street has yet to complete in two starts – those coming in consecutive weeks back in May though again this doesn’t tell the whole story as he was still in contention when unshipping Declan Queally two out on the second occasion at Dromahane, he appeared to improve markedly for his debut run and that may well be the case after this seasonal return also.  Sean Doyle’s Gold Well gelding Hollywell debut two weeks ago at Kilsheelan when partnered by Barry O’Neill, he finished third of the seven finishers beaten 1 ½ lengths by Sir Lynx having made mistakes throughout the contest, he may be better suited to this more conventional track and a stiffer test of stamina.  Star Select disappointed last time out on his first start of the season at Castletown on particularly testing ground finishing 40+ lengths in arrears of winner Ballymoat having been sent off favourite.  Star Select’s previous outing at Liscarroll on good ground and indeed his pointing debut was far more promising however as he was third beaten four lengths by Walkabout Creek, the ground was likely to blame for his latest poor effort and on a sounder surface he can go well.

Selection: Hollywell

Alternative: Asktheyank

13:30 Kinsale for Christmas Shopping 5&6yo Geldings Maiden

There’s a monster 40 horse entry for this Maiden and in all likelihood this will be divided on the day.  Imperial Vic narrowly failed to break his Maiden at the ninth time of asking at Tinahely three weeks ago on his seasonal return, he was beaten a head by Some Dude on that occasion and represents a solid yardstick in this contest.  He’s also placed on no fewer than four other occasions and looks to have a leading chance on form in this.  The Rattler O’Brien has had just one start to date, that coming back in March at Belclare when third of five finishers in a similar event to this, he stayed on to good effect on that occasion on soft ground though may well appreciate better ground.  Devil May Care made a solid start to his racing career at Nenagh on heavy ground in January when third to Handy Andy (already a winner under rules) though he’s disappointed twice since for his high profile connections on contrasting ground conditions (soft to heavy at Rathcannon and good to firm at TInahely), his supporters will surely be hoping to see more from him here.  Bearly Legal was recording the first placing of his career when finishing runner-up at Ballingarry on the final weekend of last season, his career had previously been blighted by jumping issues and he’d fallen on his previous two starts.  Bearly Legal has been primarily campaigned on a sound surface and on his last run has the ability to be competitive in a race of this nature.  Ardkilly Witness debuted in what looked a decent enough Maiden at Dromahane back in April, the winner has since joined a powerful UK yard whilst his next outing back at the same Cork track on the face of it was disappointing given he was beaten in excess of twenty lengths but it’s possible that he’ll be seen to better effect on a softer surface.  Cromwells Road ran just last week in his first start of the season and in dreadful conditions he was seen finishing third to the useful prospect Betterthanalright, this might come a bit soon for him but he showed the same promise on that occasion that he’d shown when filling the same position at Tallow back in February, he’ll be one of the more experienced runners in the line up and that will only be to his advantage. Paddydcaddy made a promising debut at Dawstown in May when beaten three lengths by Instant Impacked, he has disappointed twice since then however, the most recent occasion being when seventh behind De Faoithesdream at Rathcannon and on a line through Betterthanalright would be held by Cromwells Road on the form of that run. Willowhill Warrior has had an outing in a Cork Maiden Hurdle since his last start of last season when stepping up on previous running to finish third to Inamalabulasaloon on good ground at Ballingarry and it would be good to see him reproduce that career best effort.

Selection: Ardkilly Witness

Alternative: Imperial Vic

14:00 South Union Hunt 5&6yo Mares Maiden

The Mares Maiden is up next and the clear form pick is Pat Crowley’s Brian Boru mare Molly Boru, she’s had just two starts thus far and both came last Autumn.  The best of the two outings was surely the most recent in which she finished runner-up in a 4yo Mares Maiden to Mini Shan at Avaune. Connections employed front running tactics on this occasion having held her up when she unseated her rider on debut in October 2010 and though it’s a concern that she hasn’t been since she represents a clear form pick.  Lunacorn ran well on her seasonal return (second start in all) when finishing runner-up to Nearly A Dream at Castletown earlier this month and though the race was run in a very slow time she showed ample reserves of stamina to come from off what appeared to be a slow pace and she could well improve on that in this event.  Royal Progress was placing for the first time when finishing third to Rever Up at Inchydoney back in May, although beaten seventeen lengths this was a step up from her previous starts in similar Mares Maiden including her start prior to that which resulted in her being pulled up at Ballybunnion.  Colin Bowe’s Miss Katelyn proved somewhat disappointing on her return to action at Castletown in the same Maiden contested by Lunacorn as she was sent off joint favourite but was pulled up and possibly found the prevailing heavy conditions against her.  Prior to that Miss Katelyn had finished runner-up to Nanna Maura who’s twice been placed under rules since at Toomebridge.  The most intriguing of the pointing debutants for me is the Susan Finn trained Effortless, a Beat Hollow mare who’s been plying her trade under rules, most recently at Listowel in June when falling behind Benefit Of Porter, she’s also shown up well in Maiden Hurdle’s behind Lisrenny Lady, Ella Watson and Ballyhaunis and so must be respected on her pointing debut.

Selection: Molly Boru

Alternative: Effortless

14:30 South Union Hunter Trials next Sunday Open 4yo+ (Mdns Excl)

Eugene O’Sullivan’s Giveabobback is a clear form pick if taking his return to pointing at Dromahane last weekend at face value.  That Dromahane affair was run in shocking conditions and indeed was the last event run before the card was abandoned for safety reasons, he got to within a length of Rebel Chief.  Giveabobback was making just his second appearance in points having been sent under rules following his facile success in a Dromahane Maiden last December, he’s still qualified for Winners of One races so it’s interesting that connections have him running in Open’s presumably with Hunter Chases in mind later in the season and hopefully he can back up last weeks effort here.  Annacarton was one of the top newcomers a couple of seasons ago and was a decent performer last season when his wins included two in two days in a Tramore Hunter Chase and a Dromahane Open whilst his return this season was a solid fourth in a Ladies Open at Kilsheelan behind dual seasonal scorer Battlefront.  Dr Doocey is a potential dark horse here and she’s a solid performer in Open’s and Mark Spillane’s mare has already run two solid races at the course in an Open and a Mares Open at the June meeting here in 2010.  Her last run came when chasing home Hunter Chase winner Make It Better in a Mares Open at Cloyne whilst she scored at the Dungarvan meeting in February for her sole success last season.  Lasquini Du Moulin has had two starts so far in points this season, failing to complete when pulling up behind Battlefront at Castletown and when finishing a seven length fourth to Tyrone Gold Rain on rain softened ground at Loughrea two weekends back.  Hunters Ploy, My Lord Oscar and Glantara all pulled up when on their seasonal returns this time around and they can only be watched at this stage whilst the formerly useful track pairing of Clew Bay Cove and Perce Rock could making their pointing debuts along with Rebel Rover who’s been absence since October 2010.

Selection: Giveabobback

Alternative: Annacarton

15:00 Kinsale Pt to Pt Festival June Bank Holiday weekend 2012 Winner Of Three

A relatively small entry of twelve for this Winner of Three and the most intriguing entry for me is Jay Tobin’s mare Shers Dream who drops back into Winner of Three company for her seasonal return having not been seen since taking out the Mares Open here back in June, she beat Mismak by a length on that occasion and was recording back to back successes in the race having also won the race in 2010.  Her Mares Open success will have surprised some given she’d been beaten in a Mares Winner of Two previously on her seasonal return but this lightly raced mare seems to love this South Cork venue given her only other attempt here resulted in her running out in the same Mares Open in 2009.  West Cork Flash was an easy scorer in his Older Maiden at Tralee in January on soft ground and he’s since followed up on soft to heavy at Ballybunion in a Winner of One, his latest race resulted in him filling the runner-up spot behind Lizzie Fennell at Ballindenisk and though likely to improve for his seasonal return he appears on paper to be a leading contender.  Rivazza was last seen when winning the hard way from the front at Kilsheelan in a Winner of Two two weeks ago under Paul King.  Carl Dore’s gelding scored in a decent time that day having pulled up behind Isle of Gold on his return two weeks previously at Castletown.  Rivazza was placed under rules as recently as April this year and looks capable of making the step up in grade to Winner of Three races such as this.  Mistletoe Cottage showed up for a long way on his return from a near sixteen month lay-off at Tiinahely having had just one outing since finishing runner-up in a Ballingarry Winner Of One on the final weekend of the season in 2010.   Harbour Hall probably needed his return to action from a long lay off at Castletown and he was noted making some late headway, albeit still finishing well off the pace as the final one of seven finishers in a Winner Of Two event so any support in the market should be noted.  Commanchewardance scored twice for Denis Murphy on soft ground last season, firstly when beating subsequent winner Godsmejudge at Tinahely in January and most recently when taking out a Loughbrickland Winner Of One at the end of March.  Commanchewardance then went on to contest the Fairyhouse pointers bumper but was no match for the potentially top class Simonsig in finishing mid division.  This was still a smart effort  and marked him out as being an above average pointer so a race of this nature is likely to prove well within his reach.  Castle Lake was a consistent performer last season and her victories included an Open success at Lisronagh and two subsequent Open placings behind Tyrone Golden Rain at Ballindenisk and The Halfway Bar at Kinsale so the drop in grade may help her enter the winners enclosure again.

Selection: Commanchewardance

Alternative: Shers Dream

15:30 A Big Thank You to all our sponsors 7yo+ Maiden

There could be a maximum field of nine for this Older Maiden that concludes the card at Kinsale this weekend.  Erins Lady has been seen out twice so far this season and has a one hundred percent place record as she’s finished third in both those starts.  Her first start came on the opening day when beaten just over two lengths by Qoubilai before contesting the Mares Maiden at the Tinahely fixture, Dromrua Lass was a facile winner that day and Erins Lady lost the runner-up berth close home but she may have been disadvantaged by attempting to go with the eventual winner rather than coming from off the pace.  Champagne Bullit had a disappointing 2011 with the closes he came to a win being an eighteen length fifth to Heavenly Brook in an Inch Older Maiden.  Champagne Bullit’s previous form was far better however particularly his run in a 2009 Inchydoney Maiden when finishing second to Rossbro Hall, he was also beaten just less than five lengths in a similar affair at Ballindenisk in 2010 so hopefully connections can get him back to his 2009 form this season.  Isitkittyorbaby has shown promise on her three runs in 2011, firstly when she was still in a handy position when coming to grief late at the third last at Kilworth in a Mares Maiden back in March before completing in fourth when fifteen lengths behind Tushana in an Older Mares Maiden whilst she was running a fair enough race on her return at Glenbane last week when pulling up before the last.  Shannon Fall hasn’t been seen since May 2010 when completing for the first time in his four race career in a 7yo Maiden at Stradbally, he was sixth of the seven finishers on that occasion and this was a first sign of ability in that he was beaten less than twenty lengths, he’s been off a long time however and is very lightly raced for an 8yo.  Oscar Gale and Wild Salmon could both make their pointing debuts whilst the 7yo mares Gurtera Cailin (Dushyantor) and How Do They Do It (Ridgewood Ben) could both making their racing debuts here.

Selection: Erins Lady

Alternative: Shannon Fall

Loughanmore (29/10/2011)

12:00 Dennison Commercial 4yo Maiden

As always in the area a competitive looking 4yo Maiden kicks off this Saturday’s card at Loughanmore and the best on the form book has to the Donnchadh Doyle trained Howaboutnow, a Shantou Gelding with just the two starts under his belt so far.  He debuted at the Kirkistown April meeting in the Spring in the race won by Dannanceys Hill and whilst beaten nineteen lengths back in fifth he showed more than enough promise on ground that would probably have been too soft for him.  He returned to the track at Tinahely two weeks ago and ran a great race in defeat when runner-up to the potentially top class Dawn Commander.  Howaboutnow also holds an engagement at Kinsale this weekend and given his latest run and the underfoot conditions I’d imagine he’s more likely to be seen at Kinsale.  Standing Ovation could represent Sam Curling here, the Presenting gelding made his racing debut at Loughrea two weekends back and ran a blinder in finishing runner-up to the vastly more experienced Grandturgeon in what was a decent time and he looks more than capable of taking a race of this nature before going on to have a successful rules career.  Some Officer is another to make his debut this season, this time at the Castletown meeting on the first Sunday of the month.  Some Officer travelled well enough into the race and was beaten less than four lengths by more experienced geldings which suggests he’ll be able to put this experience to good use in the coming months.  The Billy Gahan trained Honourable Exit is unlucky not to have at least one placing on the board given he fell at the last in Dawn Commander's Maiden at Tinahely, I doubt whether he’d have beaten Howaboutnow on the day but it was an improvement on his debut when pulled up at Loughbrickland back in March.  Inthelunchbreak was hampered at the third last on his second and most recent career start at Necarne back in May, he was last of five finishers that day but had run very well up until that point and with the winner taking a Bumper earlier this month, the fourth Barlow winning already this season and the third running well in a similar race to this last weekend the form has a very solid look to it, he’s definitely one of the livelier outsiders in this affair.  Another with form that ties in to Barlow is the Posidonas gelding Hello Sir who ran behind Ian Ferguson’s charge at Toomebridge on the second weekend of the season, he raced prominently for a long way on that occasion and that was a very pleasing debut for a 4yo and I’m sure his connections will be looking to see him improve on that effort.

Selection: Standing Ovation

Alternative: Inthelunchbreak

12:30 Stonebridge 5yo Geldings Maiden

A solid looking Maiden here with Butney Boy a clear standout on form thanks to his half length defeat by Admiral Barton over this course back in April, he’d clearly benefitted from his debut run on this occasion and despite no winners having emerged from the race as yet there’s only been two to run and one of those was placed.  The Subtle Power gelding Ballyconnell made a pleasing debut for Neil McKnight at Taylorstown three weeks ago when racing handy for much of the way, he had been left clear by a faller when he himself came to grief at the last.  Whether Ballyconnell would have won is open to debate but this was a most pleasing debut.  Betterbackbob, a stablemate of Ballyconnell’s had been racing under rules for much of the Spring and Summer but he made a solid return to points at Toomebridge when chasing home Seriatim in a Maiden which was run in a fast time, which suggests that the form will stand up to scrutiny.  Devil May Care for Paul Nolan could attempt to redeem himself having disappointed at Tinahely when only third behind According To Trev and it’s possible that he might better suited to an easier track, he made a pleasing debut when third to the useful rules horse Handy Andy at Nenagh back in January but has disappointed twice since, he’ll surely improve for that last run though is likely to appreciate cut in the ground.  Ed’s Legacy ran well enough prior to falling at the last fence at Loughrea behind Master Of The Game, the time was nothing special and he would have finished some way behind the eventual winner if he’d completed but he warrants a second look in a race of this nature.  Talkin Grey made his debut back in September at Rathcannon in a hot looking Maiden form wise behind De Faoithesdream, the runner-up scored at Dromahane last weekend whilst the third also scored next time out.  This race was run in a decent time and I expect that Talkin Grey will be adding to the list of winners from this race in the not too distant future.

Selection: Talkin Grey

Alternative: Butney Boy

13:00 Houston Coachworks Ltd Winner Of One 4yo+ (Mdns Excl)

The Stuart Crawford team have been in fine form so far this season with winners in this sphere in addition to a recent rules double at Downpatrick and he could saddle the Bach gelding Rathnaroughy who may well have made a successful return to points at Castletown at the start of the month had it not been for tipping up at the last behind Isle of Gold.  This was Rathnaroughy’s first points start since taking home at Lingstown Maiden back in April 2010, he’s been racing under rules since then with his best effort being when runner-up to recent Chepstow winner Drumbaloo at Ayr back in March.  The yard have already landed a similar race to this with another ex-rules horse this season and will surely be expecting Rathnaroughy to go close here.  The top horse Bell On Bike is unraced since finishing second having been sent off favourite for a Confined Hunt Winners event at Necarne back in May, he chased home See Double You on that occasion and had previously gained a deserved Maiden success in an Older Maiden at Largy.  This was a much deserved victory given he’d placed on each of his previous three starts.  He’s a late comer to racing given that he wasn’t seen until he was seven but he looks an above average prospect and is likely to be a leading contender here providing that he is fit for this return to action.  His trainer David Christie also has two others engaged in this and these are Loughrea Maiden winner Not Before Eight who’s also finished runner-up to dual scorer Onefortheroad Mac this season and Oscar Fern who impressed me greatly when scoring in a 5&6yo Geldings Maiden at Castletown in a very fast time at the start of the month.  Oscar Fern was an eyecatcher on debut at Dromahane last season behind Friendly Society in a Maiden that has produced no fewer than seven individual winners including Grade 2 Hurdles scorer Back In Focus whilst he returned to the Cork venue a month later just after Christmas when pulling up in another hot Maiden (this time there have been eight winners come out of the race) so it was no surprise to see him score under Damian Murphy in a very fast time that day.  He won a shade cosily on that occasion and so should be up to scoring in Winners grade and may even go on to have a decent future under rules.  Carsonstown Bridge gained some invaluable back-end Winners experience last season at Sligo when fourth to Share Wood having previously broken his Maiden at Largy under Champion jockey Derek O’Connor, he was belatedly breaking his Maiden on that occasion given that he’d “won” at Taylorstown back in May 2010 prior to being disqualified.  Another to garner late season Winners experience was Ian Ferguson’s Fort View Wings who took a Loughbrickland Maiden by five lengths from Marina Del Ray at the end of March prior to finishing last of six finishers, though beaten just twelve lengths behind the useful Court In Session at Toomebridge in May.  Gardikos has had plenty of chances in winners grade but has arguably been unlucky in that he’s come up against some real class horses in the shape of Simonsig (winner of the Pointers Bumper at Fairyhouse in April) at Limavady and Court In Session at Toomebridge when he had Fort View Wings in behind.  Gardikos has returned this season – again at Toomebridge where he ran a solid third to subsequent Downpatrick Beginners Chase winner Call Box, this was a solid enough run and though he’s not getting any younger there is reason to believe he’ll be capable of scoring in Winners grade this season.

Selection: Oscar Fern

Alternative: Rathnaroughy

13:30 Topping Meats Open 4yo+ (Mdns Excl)

What has the makings of a top class Open is the fourth race on the card at Loughanmore, the Gordon Elliot trained Backstage could make his second appearance of the season following a facile victory at Tinahely under Jamie Codd two weeks ago.  He’s now unbeaten in his last three starts spreading this season and last and he looks the one to beat for Middleham Park Racing and the staff at Gordon Elliot’s, he was long-time Ante-Post favourite for the 2011 Grand National and as such represents the class in the race.  Amongst Backstage’s possible rivals in this is Lord Multifix, who recorded the maximum number of victories last season and took his first victory of the current campaign at Taylorstown three weeks ago at the expense of Backstage’s stablemate Nedzer’s Return who’s franked the form somewhat by running Send For Paddy (a scorer twice already this season) close at Glenbane.  As previously mentioned the Crawford’s have been in fine form so far this season and Onefortheroad Mac could represent them in this event.  He’s seemingly improved a stone or so during the Summer break and already has two victories to his name this season, firstly when taking an Older Maiden at Toomebridge and then when scoring seven days later in a Winners Of One at Taylorstown, he’s been partnered on each occasion by Ben Crawford and the pair are unbeaten together, this however does represent a large step up in grade and it’s likely that he’ll take time to find his feet in Open’s.  Mattock Ranger provided something of a shock on the opening day of the season at Rathcannon when running out an easy winner of the Open at 10/1, he hadn’t been seen since February prior to that and this formerly useful track perform can still cut it in Points.  That said this represents a tougher test and I’d like to see him back that effort up in here. 

Selection: Backstage

Alternative: Lord Multifix

14:00 Doherty & Gray Meats 5yo+ Mares Maiden

Fayebay was arguably unlucky not to break her Maiden last time out at Taylorstown as she led over the last under trainer/rider Holly McGahan, this represented a return to form as her previous effort back in the Spring resulted in a disappointing twenty seven length defeat at Necarne.  Corrag Lass’ has been a consistent enough mare for connections with three placings in her past four starts, including at Necarne back in May when runner-up to Queen Of The Air, backend Mares Maiden’s aren’t generally known for being strong events but this Beneficial mare ran well on that occasion and previously when third at Limavady.  Corrag Lass had Con Air in behind at Necarne and that mare ran a promising debut having made eyecatching progress in behind before weakening and eventually pulling up, she’s sure to have improved for that run and is a possible dark horse in here.  Kissing Lessons was having just her second points start when falling at the second last in a similar race to this won by Wee Doll at Taylorstown a few weeks back, she showed more on this occasion than on her return from a near 18 month lay-off following a sole bumper run in the UK back in June 2010 and I expect she’ll progress throughout the season.  Kissing Lessons is trained by Liam Lennon and he could also be represented by Young Celebrity who went down by just a head to Leigh Oscar in a Mares Maiden at Toomebridge at the start of the month, she’s shown a liking for this course in the past having finished third beaten just two lengths in a 5yo Mares Maiden at this track back in April 2010 and she could well play a leading part if taking her chance. Colin Bowe does well with his mares and has the Tintern Ten Syndicate’s Emmas’ House engaged here, her form last season wasn’t great bar a runner-up position to Eimears Oscar at Loughbrickland at the end of March but she showed more on her return when beaten under thirty lengths back in fourth behind Flick Of A Switch at Kilsheelan. 

Selection: Fayebay

Alternative: Young Celebrity

14:30 Winsome Lady 6&7yo Geldings Maiden

Imperial Vic looks the one to beat in this on the back of his head defeat to Some Dude at Tinahely last time out.  This was an improvement on the form he’d shown previously with last seasons best being placings at Ballyragget, Lingstown and Limavady.  He’s generally been campaigned on good ground but seemed to show a preference for a firmer surface last time out so any rain will surely be detrimental to his chances.  Gale Force Oscar showed solid form last season and was still travelling best when coming down two out over this course back in April, the eventual winner has won an Open since over the banks course at Lingstown and it was in my opinion a hot Maiden that he contested first time out when beaten sixteen lengths by De Faoithesdream, the two placed horses (Betterthanalright and According To Trev) have both scored since and Gale Force Oscar will be attempting to make it a third horse within just over a month.  Carmels Boy was still in front when coming to grief at Toomebridge at the start of the month, this was his first outing in two years and he backed that up by finishing a neck second in a similar affair at Taylorstown a week later.  Aghavillar is a long standing Maiden and ran his best race in a long time when runner-up to Cilliseal at Toomebridge at the start of May, this was a solid run in the circumstances but he would have been held by Gale Force Oscar on his previous outing at Loughanmore.  Casson has been racing primarily under rules since his Pointing debut over this course eighteen months ago, he was still in with a chance when coming to grief at the last on that occasion and has since run some solid races under rules, most notably when eight lengths fifth to the highly promising Last Instalment at Navan back in February whilst Outback Man hasn’t been seen out since July 2010 but had shown some ability in a Maiden at Ballyragget in March of that year, he was running a solid race when coming to grief at the last though he may be best watched on this occasion. 

Selection: Gale Force Oscar

Alternative: Imperial Vic

Sunday Selections (23/10/2011)

Dromahane

13:00 Brighwells 4yo Maiden

Selection: Run For Firth – Has plenty of pointing experience with three starts in the Spring, the latest when chasing home Western King and Shake The Bucket at this track.  Look the one to beat for Kieran Purcell

Alternative: Debt To Society – Had the two starts last Spring, the second of which came when filling the runner-up berth to Three Mountainview at Inchydoney.  That was on good to firm and he could go for the in form Michael Hourigan.

13:30 Brightwells 5yo Geldings Maiden

Selection: Betterthanalright - Looks the pick on this seasons running here, he made his debut on the opening day of the season at Rathcannon and is possibly unlucky to still be a Maiden given the way in which he finished up the Rathcannon straight when finishing runner-up to the front running De Faoithesdream.  The race was run in a good time and the form looks decent with the third (According To Trev) scoring since.

  Alternative: Cian Boy -  Has had just the two runs so far – the most recent coming when chasing home Micks at Leadington back in January, it’s somewhat worrying that he’s not been seen since but Nikki Delmer is sure to have him ready for this having already sent out a first time out winner in the Autumn season. 

14:00 The Committee 5yo+ Confined Maiden (Nov Riders)

Selection: Cork Twenty Ten - Has had just two career starts for Eoghan O’Grady and the first was a promising effort at Kildorrey, he was beaten just under 20 lengths by Leave Him Alone but stayed on nicely in behind the leaders on that occasion.  The next run possibly came a bit soon as it was only two weeks later and resulted in him pulling up in a similar race at Kilworth, he may be a horse who needs time between his races so this could be the time to catch him

Alternative: Shantara - Has shown promise in Mares Maidens thus far, most recently when chasing home Justthethreeofus at Bartlemy back in May, she’ll need to step up to score in a regular Mares Maiden but this Confined affair doesn’t look the strongest race ever run and she has her chance in here.

14:30 The Committee Open 4yo+ (Mdns Excl)

Selection: Kilty Storm – Had a good season in 2010/11 including when racking up a victory at this course back in November, he beat Annacarton that day and was also victorious at Rathmorissey in March, looks the one to beat here.

Alternative: Conna Castle – Had a successful season last year when carrying Jane Mangan in Open’s and Ladies Open’s, a win at the meeting here in May was followed by a runner-up spot at Kinsale on the final weekend of the year and it will be good seeing him back in action.

15:00 The Committee 5&6yo Mares Maiden

Selection: Castle Genie – Had two starts last season behind a potential black-type performer under rules in the shape of Bold Vicky and at Templemore than when chasing home Upton Ola when the stiff finish will have been against her.

Alternative: Betty Ann – Was an eyecatcher on debut at Rathcannon last month and after a bad mistake mid-race she wasn’t given a hard time and was eventually pulled up two from the finish.  This more conventional circuit should suit her and she can go well.

15:30 The Committee 6yo+ Geldings Maiden

Selection: Count Salazar – Made a pleasing debut last December when third to Champion Hunter Chaser Salsify, he disappointed over this course in his only subsequent start but eleven winners have come out of the two races combined so the only issue with him is the near ten month absence.

Alternative: Derrintogher Gold – A lightly raced 6yo with just the one start so far but it was a promising sixth to Jasper Massini at Kilworth back in March, he stayed on well that day and wasn’t far behind the principals with plenty of improvement likely.

Glenbane

12:30 Quinlan Transport & Thurles Precast Products 4yo Maiden

Selection: Ashtown – A nice Westerner gelding from the yard of Colin McKeever he has had two starts to date with both resulting in third placed finishes earlier this month, firstly at Toomebridge and most recently at Taylorstown. 

Alternative: Some Officer – Debuted earlier this month at Castletown and was third on that occasion to Ballymoat, that was a highly promising debut and he can improve for that and rates the main danger to Ashtown.

13:00 Lisheen Mines & Jack Blake 5&6yo Mares Maiden

Selection: Lady Boulea – Was an unlucky last fence faller when travelling best of all on her debut at Ballindenisk in May and she can make amends here in what looks a very winnable race.

Alternative: Morgana Le Fay – Has had just the three starts under all rules, her sole placing was in a point at Inch in April, that was a solid run and she’s since garnered experience on the track.

13:30 Lyons Tyre Services & Bridgestone Open 4yo+ (Mdns Excl)

Selection: Nedzer’s Return – Returned from over a year off the track to run Lord Multifix to a length at Taylorstown, this was a very pleasing effort and he’s sure to come on for that run and looks more than capable of taking home Open’s this season.

Alternative: Simonsberg – Yet to run this season but had a profitable time of it last year winning on his latest outing at Ballingarry, he’s been sold since then and will now carry the colours of Ronnie Bartlett (also now owns Simonsig).

14:00 Vets & Trainers 5&6yo Geldings Maiden

Selection: Aussie Missile – Has had the four runs so far and improved with each one, the most recent being when chasing home Mr O’Shea at Ballingarry.  He was beaten just three lengths that day and looks a sure fire future winner.

Alternative: Ohwhatanight – Unraced since February when he finished third to subsequent rules winner Jimbill at Belharbour.  He’d had two starts prior to that and this final start was easily his best, Pat Doyle’s charge should have matured over the Summer and he rates the main danger to Aussie Missile.

14:30 Golden Vale Hunt Members Mares Winner Of Two (Mdns Excl)

Selection: Instant Dream – A useful mare who was a fortunate winner last time out when left clear by a last fence faller, that was in a good time and with a good speed figure which suggests she’s up to scoring in this higher grade.

Alternative: Dromrua Lass – Had her first point start of the campaign at Tinahely two weeks ago and scored as she liked in a Mares Maiden, only four completed that day but she couldn’t have done it any easier and looks up to figuring in winners races.

15:00 John Quinn & Liffey Mills 7yo+ Maiden

Selection: Old Shyan – Returned to points with a bang this season and his first start in this sphere came just last week when chasing home Keep Movin at Kilsheelan, that was a highly promising first start of the season and he can improve from that.

Alternative: Artic Palm – Disappointing run in a Mares Maiden last week at Loughrea is possibly down to a paddock incident pre-race, she’d previously run Qoubilai to less than six lengths at Rathcannon and looks sure to be competitive.

Kilsheelan (16/10/2011)

13:30 Owning Hill Gallops 4yo Maiden

Run For Firth of Kieran Purcell brings the best form into the race and had three starts in his debut season in the spring.  He was unlucky to run out mid-race on debut at Tramore in April but came close to making amends a week later at Lisronagh when going down by a length to the now Willie Mullins trained Make Your Mark.  Run For Firth was a well supported favourite to make amends at the final Dromahane fixture of the season three weeks later but ultimately found two too good in the end, it was a solid end to a debut season and he looks more than capable of making amends this Autumn.  Sir Lynx is another who’s contested a Dromahane Maiden though this time it was on debut when well beaten under a patient ride behind behind Hadrian’s Wall.  He improved with every run and ended the season by being beaten less than two lengths by Gino Trail on the final weekend of the season at Ballingarry.  Dushybeag made a promising debut at Dromahane in March when finishing sixth to Rock Of Allen, it’s possible that the softer ground was to blame for his subsequent defeat when pulled up behind Merry King at Lismore.  The likely prevailing soft ground would be a negative but should the ground dry out at the Tipperary venue then he’s more than capable of going close.  Balliniry Cross launched his season with a much improved effort on the opening day at Rathcannon, particularly when compared to his previous pulled up efforts in hot Maidens in the spring.  Balliniry Cross is likely to come on for this run and he will have a fitness edge over many of his rivals.  Sir Ladyswell started his career in promising fashion in a good ground Rathmorrissey Maiden back in March, although beaten 36 lengths he raced handy for most of the way under Declan Queally and if improving on that effort he could run well here.  The negative to Sir Ladyswell is that on his only subsequent start he was pulled up in the Maiden at Dromahane won by Hadrians Wall.  Yukon Delta who’s also entered in the equivalent race at the Loughrea fixture had just the one start last season when coming to grief late on when a staying on third in a Monksgrange Maiden, he represents the yard of Roisin Hickey who had two of the top 4yos of last term in her care and will surely be expecting to take out a Maiden at some point this Autumn with Yukon Delta.

Selection: Run For Firth

Alternative: Balliniry Cross

14:00 Local Trianers 5&6yo Mares Maiden

Flick Of A Switch is a long standing mare but represents the best form on offer on the back of her numerous close up finishes over the past 12 months.  She was unlucky not to rack up another placing on her seasonal return at Rathcannon last month as she was still in touch and in with a big chance when falling at the last behind Count Your Change.  Flick Of A Switch ended last season by finishing runner-up to the smart mare Rever Up at Inchydoney at the end of May whilst she also finished fourth to Jamie’s Darling in the Mares P2P Bumper at Cork the previous month.  Her best form has been on a sound surface so any rain would appear to be detrimental to her challenge but she should go well.  Another who failed to complete behind Count Your Change was Sean Osborne’s Gallant Express, a bad mistake at the third last put paid to her chances and she weakened very quickly and was pulled up, she’ll most certainly have come on for that run and her previous runs were very promising when fourth at Dromahane and when third on her debut at Castletown.  She was ridden with greater restraint the last day which prior to the mistake appeared to be working so it will be interesting to see if similar tactics are employed should she take her chance here.  Godico has returned to pointing this season after an unsuccessful spell on the track and she appears to be more at home at this level, she was a staying on fourth to Castletown on her first start since April though appears to want a greater stamina test so today’s sharp three miles may not play to her stance.  Sing A New Song has had just the one start so far Diarmuid Ryan but it came in a solid 5yo Mares Maiden at Dromahane back in April, she was ultimately beaten when coming down at the last behind the useful Katie Do, Flick Of A Switch was in front of her that day but it’s not inconceivable that Sing A New Song could turn that form around.  Walkers Oscar had been off the track for nearly 18 months prior to returning in a Mares Maiden at Rathcannon, she weakened approaching the last and it’s possible that it was too great a test of stamina at this stage of her career, the less testing track here will likely suit her better.  Betty Ann is yet another who could re-oppose from that Rathcannon race, she was held up in rear for most of the race and wasn’t given a hard time when she was pulled up approaching two out, she should come on for that run and the experience will stand her in good stead here.

Selection: Flick Of A Switch

Alternative: Sing A New Song

14:30 Equinewarehouse.ie & Clonmel Oil Ladies Open 4yo+ (Mdns Excl)

There could be a maximum field of twelve go to post for this feature race at the Kilsheelan course and the runners are headed by the multiple Open and Hunter Chase winner Annacarton for Jimmy Mangan.  Annacarton is improving all the time though disappointed in a Hunter Chase at Listowel on his latest start back in June, he was possibly feeling the effects of a busy season which included two wins in two days in April when first successful in a Tramore Hunter Chase and then successful in a Dromahane Open the following day.  The bigger fences at Cork found Annacarton out at the end of the month though he made amends three weeks later under champion jockey Derek O’Connor when an odds-on favourite at Bartlemy.  His main rival is likely to be the Ted Walsh trained Battlefront who’s likely to be partnered by regular jockey Katie Walsh.  Battlefront was a very impressive victor in an Open at Castletown at the start of the month in a good time, the form has a very solid look to it as the only subsequent runner from this race was last weekends scorer Lord Multifix.  Risk It Paddy is held by Annacarton on their Dromahane running back in April and went close in subsequent good ground Open’s back at that track when going down by a head to Conna Castle and when placed third behind Rowdy Rampage at Ballingarry on the final weekend of the season.  He’s not getting any younger but is a credit to connections particularly in light of the near three year absence he had overcome prior to his return last season.  Rossberry Lad had a good season last year with two good Open successes at Punchestown and Castletown to his name, he’s not been seen in action since finishing fourth to Conna Castle at Dromahane and he’s likely to improve for this seasonal return and will likely be of greater interest in future engagements.  Wee Sonny could make his pointing debut for the Liam Lennon yard and he’s been mixing chasing and hurdling this Summer, most recently when a well beaten fifth at Sedgefield in August, he’ll come into this fit but has something to find with the principles.

Selection: Battlefront

Alternative: Annacarton

15:00 Dick Frisby 5&6yo Geldings Maiden

As usual with these Maiden’s there’s a healthy mixture of pointers and ex-rules performers and the Richard Morrissey trained Bach To Whitingbay has the best form on offer as he was six lengths clear jumping the last when set to beat My Dark Inishowen prior to tipping up.  This stands out even against his other runs and he wasn’t able to reproduce that run back at the same track in April on a faster surface as he was well beaten by War Of Words.  His debut came when fifth behind Buck Magic at Kilmallock back in 2010 and it’s probable that he’ll come on for his likely return to racing this weekend.  Ballyness remains a Maiden for Sam Curling after seven starts but there’s been enough in those starts to suggest that he’s more than capable of taking a Maiden this season.  Arguably his best run came when chasing home Moulin Tour at Tallanstown back in April on good ground, he’s run well enough on softer ground most notably when not beaten far behind Punchestown Festival winner The Baler on debut at the Tattersalls Farm meeting in October last year.  Redbridge Rebel has had just the two starts to date with both coming at the Wexford venue of Lingstown back in March, firstly he was a good five length fourth to Allthekingshorses on good ground and he turned out two weeks later in similar conditions when third to Festival Bound.  He was ridden with great restraint on both occasions and was seen to best effect at the finish suggesting a stiffer stamina test than this will suit in time.  Springfield Grey tried his best to make all on his return to action at Castletown two weeks ago, he ran well for a long way on that occasion before ultimately fading back into sixth.  This was a decent return and marked a change in tactics as he was held up when fourth to Lord Lir in a Ballyragget Confined Maiden on his only previous start in March last year.  Miley Shah also contested that Castletown Maiden and stayed on at the one pace in his points debut having previously contested a couple of bumpers and a Maiden Hurdle for his handler.  This marked a promising debut and he should prove more than capable of taking a Maiden this season.  Emigrant Boy made a promising debut for Colin Bowe at Taylorstown last week when chasing home Hey R Fella, he was ridden handy that day and jumped with great proficiency before weakening to second late on.  The experience is sure to benefit him and he could be a horse with a decent future under rules in time.

Selection: Emigrant Boy

Alternative: Redbridge Rebel

15:30 Oldcourt Saddlery Winner Of Two (4yo+) Mdn Excl

Maggies Boy is likely to be to the forefront of the market in this event having garnered plenty of experience in similar events last season.  He only broke his Maiden at Avaune back in December but has since placed twice in winners events most notably when running Desertmore Valley to a length at Dromahane back in May, prior to that he’d run a sound enough race when finishing fourth of four finishers at Dawstown and his debut in winners company came when beaten thirteen lengths by a rejuvenated The Raven Hare at Carrigtwohill in February.  Lion Valley is another with plenty of experience in these races and this will mark his second start of the season, the first being when parting company with jockey Aine O’Connor in a Winner Of Two race at Rathcannon last month.  The partnership got no further than the fifth on that occasion but Lion Valley showed enough when chasing home Mickey Blue Eyes on soft ground at Dromahane last November to suggest he can be a force in this race.  Sir Hands was a late recruit to racing of any sort and showed improvement with every start last season and took a Bartlemy 7yo Maiden in fine style from Dromahane on firm ground in May in the style of a horse who could be a real force in winners races this season, conditions are likely to be vastly different today but he looks a stayer with a future.  Redavarra was well beaten on his first outing in winners company and ultimately pulled up at Ballyragget having broken his Maiden on his previous outdating at Ballydarragh, he seems to appreciate ground with give in it though that Maiden win stands out amongst the rest of his form and he is almost certain to improve for this return.  Of the remainder Harbour Hall made a decent return to racing off of a near 18 month lay-off at Castletown two weeks ago, this was on vastly different ground conditions to those that he’s used to when staying on late in the day.

Selection: Maggies Boy

Alternative: Sir Hands

16:00 G O’Brien (Butchers), O’Donnell Crisps & Grange Management Consultants 7yo+ Maiden

Great Luso probably brings the best points form into this race on the back of his fourth to Sir Hands at Bartlemy in May.  He was disappointing on his only subsequent start at Kinsale in June but was close up in a number of similar Maidens to this in the spring.  Great Luso normally races handy and that could be an advantage on this track which has a sharp turn into the home straight so those coming from off the pace could be disadvantaged.  Wherearewegoinow was off the track for over 18 months prior to returning under rules at Cork back in May, he was well beaten then but had shown promise in his last spell on the track back in 2009 most notably when finishing runner-up over hurdles at Listowel.  Keep Movin hasn’t been seen since falling at the Galway Festival in 2010 but he’d previously shown promise over hurdles, most notably on heavy ground at Limerick behind Call The Police, his rules experience is likely to come in handy here and he makes his pointing debut for David Kelly here.  Closely Related has mainly been contesting Mares Maidens for her connections and her best effort is arguably a two length fourth to the potentially useful Vicanol at Kilfeacle back in January, she’s also finished second since then at Killaloe but seems to be an in an out performer as she’s been pulled up in two of her last five starts whilst Close Comet showed enough on his return to pointing at Rathcannon to suggest that he’s more than capable of being competitive in this sort of race in the future.

Selection: Closely Related

Alternative: Great Luso

Loughrea (16/10/2011)

13:30 Tom Costello Jnr 4yo Maiden

Yet another decent looking 4yo contest with a number of contenders bringing placed form from both this season and last into the race.  One of the more unlucky horses in this is Paul Gilligan’s Croco Rouge gelding Wonderhow, a faller on both his starts thus far.  His first mishap came when he was still in the shake up having been headed when falling at the last whilst he again attempted to make all when reappearing at Rathcannon on the opening day of the season and he was clear of his rivals when falling at the fifth.  Wonderhow clearly has some jumping issues but appears to be a horse of well above average ability and he’d appear to be the one they have to beat.  Grandturgeon is another who’s had just the two starts thus far and they both came last season, firstly when getting to within four lengths of Hadrians Wall when finishing fourth in a six finisher Dromahane Maiden in April and most recently when running Kilcrea to a length when runner-up at Ballindenisk in early May.  Both those starts represent solid form and being by Turgeon you’d expect he’ll only get better with age.  Aubrey De Vere is another who’s had his jumping frailties exposed with his only completed start coming when a three length fourth to Killiney Castle at Askeaton though he was still upsides eventual winner Tackmaster when falling at the last at Rathcannon in late February.  Aubrey De Vere returned to Rathcannon on the opening day of this season in the race contested by Wonderhow but got no further than the second on that occasion.  Yukon Delta was staying on nicely in third when falling two out in a Monksgrange Maiden in April last season, that’s been his only start thus far but he’s sure to improve for the run and the yard had two of the top 4yos in 2010/11 and Yukon Delta is sure to have improved for that initial outing whilst stablemate Billy Twyford (Brian Boru X The Distaff Spy) is also engaged.  Sir Lynx is one of the more experienced entries in this with the three runs last season to his name, the third and final one being arguably the best when finishing runner-up to Gino Trail on the final weekend of the season at Ballingarry.  A change in riding tactics seemed to suit for his final two starts and he looks more than capable of scoring at some point this season.

Selection: Grandturgeon

Alternative: Yukon Delta

14:00 Pier Head Bar & Restaurant 5&6yo Geldings Maiden

A large entry for this including a number who’ve alreadrey been seen out this season.  One of those with form but making their season reappearance is Eoin Doyle’s Dream Choice who was placed on both his starts in the early part of 2011 most notably when chasing home the potentially top class Rolling Aces on his second start at Lismore.  He’s only ever raced on ground with cut in so today’s conditions should prove no problem to him.  Dream Choice’s debut came when third to Rev It Up at Rathcannon back in February – it’s of slight concern that he didn’t reappear after the Lismore effort and it will be interesting to how he’s progressed over the summer.  Wild Irish is more experienced than most in this race and is sure to come on for his season reappearance at Tinahely last week when beaten some way by Some Dude in the 6yo+Geldings Maiden, he’d shown some ok form last season most notably at Sligo back in May when beaten four lengths by Cornerhouse Sam when last of five finishers on yielding to soft ground.  Gale Force Oscar was sent off favourite for his season reappearance at Rathcannon and made some late progress in fourth behind the impressive De Faoithesdream and he was possibly unlucky not to break his Maiden last season as he appeared to be going best of the principals when falling at the second last in a race won by Bringbackthebert at Loughanmore.  The most interesting of those dropping back into points from rules racing is Gearoid O’Loughlin’s Gallant Oscar who had two starts in the UK last season, the best of which coming when fourth to dual points scorer Minella Stars at Hereford whilst Master Of The Game was making a bold bid for victory from the front when falling at the second last in a Kilfeacle Maiden won by Celtic Twilight back in January.

 Selection: Dream Choice

Alternative: Gale Force Oscar

14:30 W. B. Gavin Solicitors & Paurick O’Connor Winner of three (mdns excl)

Another good entry for this winner of three contest which could feature a return to points for the Paurick O’Connor trained Tullymackan who was a victor at this meeting last year in a Winners of Two, he led nearly all the way on that occasion and has been tried without success under rules, most recently when beaten in excess of 100 lengths behind Lios A Choill in a Navan Maiden Hurdle back in February.  Present Citizen took out a Winner of Two at Ratchannon when partnered by Maxine O’Sullivan on the opening day of the season, he travelled well into the race and won a shade cosily in the end suggesting that he can be a force at this level.  He had the benefit of race fitness as he’d been tried under rules since his previous points start when pulling up in a Ladies Open at Dromahane in May.  Poplebouchon has been well beaten in Winners races of late and this would look a tough task on paper, it’s possibly that a sound surface has hindered his chance on his two most recent starts and his best start recently is surely his third to Atlanta Falcon in a Winner of One event at Askeaton back in February.  Isle Of Gold has won his last two point starts spanning nearly a year, firstly when winning a Two Winner event at Rockfield last November and most recently when taking home a similar even at the Castletown fixture at the start of the month, the runner-up from that Castletown victory was a fortunate scorer at TInahely over the weekend so that gives the form a solid look.  Isle Of Gold was tested under rules with limited success between those two point starts with the best effort coming when fifth in a Maiden Hurdle at Sligo back in May.  Dark Vagabond was also successful at that Castletown fixture when defeating Maduma in the older horse Maiden for trainer Ian Madden.  He steps up in grade here and will have to improve to figure.  There are a number of horses returning from long lay-offs and it will be interesting with regards to future engagements to see how these get on.

 Selection: Isle Of Gold

Alternative: Present Citizen

15:00 Dartfield Open 4yo+ (Mdns Excl)

There could be a maximum field of thirteen for the feature race at the Galway Blazers fixture and Castletown winner Battlefront could attempt to make it two for the season for trainer Ted Walsh and daughter Katie after scoring by 12 lengths from subsequent Taylorstown scorer Lord Multifix in a decent time in his first start in points in over two years.  This race could mark the return of former Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite and Foxhunters winner Kingscliff who hasn’t been seen out in nearly two years, he was a winner of this race in 2009 having previously scored in an Eggesford Open in the UK in April of that year.  His Only subsequent start came when chasing home Top Twig at Rockfield in November 2009 and one can only assume that he missed the rest of that season and the whole of last season due to injury, at 14 he isn’t getting any younger but it will be good to see him back on the track.  Risk It Paddy was a consistent performer last season and was last season when chasing home Rowdy Rampage who’s since scored under rules when third at Ballingarry on the final weekend of the season, Risk It Paddy and regular pilot Jane Foley had missed out by a head on their previous start at Dromahane when narrowly edged out by Conna Castle.  Fourth on that occasion was the Sharon Dunphy trained Rossberry Lad who was bouncing back to some form following a poor effort when odds-on favourite for a Stradbally Open in April, he’d previously had two open wins at Punchestown when beating Aces Or Better and at Castletown when beating Up N Under, these bookended a venture in Hunter Chases when pulling up in Gowran’s Tetratema Perpetual Cup.  Hoopy was well beaten by Battlefront at Castletown but this was his first start in points and this greater test of stamina is sure to play into his hands.  The Book Thief was a fairly useful novice hurdler a couple of seasons ago and he makes his first foray into points having struggled somewhat over fences – however a watching brief is advised on his first start in this field.

 Selection: Battlefront

Alternative: Rossberry Lad

15:30 Pat Dillion (Stonyisland Farm) 5yo+ Mares Maiden

Twentyeleven is likely to feature prominently in the betting for this on the back of her filling the runner-up spot behind Count Your Change at Rathcannon in a Mares Maiden on the opening day of the season, that was her first run since a Maiden Hurdle in June and she’s likely to improve for that outing.  Martin Murray’s Strange Bird could make her seasonal reappearance in this, she chased home Dontbecodnme in a Castletown Mares Maiden before unseating when badly hampered at the final fence in a Ballindenisk Maiden at the start of May, she was unlucky on this occasion and is sure to gain compensation at some point this season.  Artic Palm is another to have had a run so far this season – in her instance it came when contesting the older Maiden at the Rathcannon fixture, she was fourth behind easy scorer Quobilai but is likely to improve for that given it was her first start in points and connections will surely be looking for another good effort on her second point-to-point start.  Maeves Delight gained some invaluable experience in points last season and ran a career best effort on her final start of the season at Kinsale in June when runner-up to Merramax, she raced handy on that occasion as she’s done in most of her more recent starts and had one outing under rules during the summer when well beaten in a Limerick bumper.  Mrs Thriller is a long standing Maiden who contested some good Mares Maidens last season with her best placing behind a third at Belclare in a race won by Knockiel Spirit whilst she also finished seventh behind the potentially very decent Noosa at Durrow in February, this race could mark her return this season.  Nora D hasn’t been seen in action since April 2011 when she was placed behind Scarlet Butler at Quakerstown, she had unseated on her previous outing at Inch but appeared to be turning a corner form wise as prior to that she’d run a good race behind Upton Ola at Templemore. 

Selection: Strange Bird

Alternative: Twentyeleven

 

16:00 The Turf Club 7yo+ Geldings Maiden

Not Before Eight should prove tough to beat in this on the back of his runner-up spot behind Onefortheroad Mac (a winner since) at Toomebridge at the start of the month, that was his first foray into points this time around having previously run with great credit under rules during the spring.  Watchovia ran with great credit last season when chasing home Instant Impacked at Dawstown and Sir Hands at Bartlemy, he’d previously placed in a similar race to this at Leadington and seems to handle all ground conditions.  Close Comet was well beaten in the Older Maiden at Rathcannon but is sure to improve for his first start since June and he’d previously shown some useful form under rules at the minor jumps courses.  The field is rounded out by Fancy Pat who was pulled up in the Older Maiden that Close Comet contested and was pulled up on his only two starts in backend Maidens last season whilst Lord Hear Us could make his point debut for Paul Gilligan, he’s had just the one start so far well last of five behind Tornedo Shay in a Bumper in November 2009. 

Selection: Not Before Eight

Alternative: Watchovia

Tinahely (9/10/2011)

13:00 4yo Maiden

What’s likely to prove an informative 4yo Maiden kicks off the card at Tinahely this Sunday with a number of promising types from last year set to clash with some unraced horses.  As mentioned in the Taylorstown preview the Colin McKeever trained Ballycotin is engaged here as well as at that one.  Also engaged on Saturday is the Willie Codd trained Dawn Commander who sets the standard on the ratings following a quarter length defeat to Get More at Sligo in May, that was his first completion from three starts having fallen when travelling well at Toomebridge on his previous start which had followed a pulled up effort in a Kirkistown Maiden.  Run For Firth showed a high standard of form last season when placed behind Western King and Make Your Mark at Dromahane and Lisronagh respectively, he was sent off a well supported favourite in the Dromahane event so connections were possibly slightly disappointed that he couldn’t land the odds, he’s trained by Kieran Purcell who could also be represented by the Oscar gelding Paddocks Lounge who was fourth of seven finishers on his only outing thus far at Lisronagh back in March.  The Roisin Hickey trained Following Dreams had three starts last season, all within a six week period in March and April.  The best of those was probably the first of them when he was a good third to Rye Martini at Lismore, he was slightly disappointing on his third and final start of the year in that he was beaten twenty five lengths by Make Your Mark, he’s more than good enough to pick up an Autumn Maiden and that day may well come here, he’s raced predominantly on a sound surface although the debut effort was on yielding to soft.  Minella For Ball brings form from the opening meeting of the season at Rathcannon into this race, he chased home Clear Hills on that occasion and the way he stayed on suggests that this stiffer test of stamina will be right up his street.  Village Vic was booked for at least a place last season when falling at the last on his only start behind Buachaill Alainn at Monksgrange in April, Eoin Doyle’s charge wasn’t seen out after that however he showed enough to suggest that he’ll make a formidable opponent in these sort of races.

Selection: Dawn Commander

Alternative: Minella For Ball

13:30 5yo Geldings Maiden

Devil May Care looks likely to start a short priced favourite for this on the back of two runs last season, the first being easily the best of those in as much as he chased home the potentially top class Handy Andy (since a rules winner for Colin Tizzard) in a 5yo Maiden at Nenagh, he went on to disappointed as a joint-favourite at Rathcannon at the end of February, he was only fifth on that occasion behind Rev It Up and this Gigginstown House Stud owned Paul Nolan trained gelding will surely be heading to the track in time.  According To Trev has improved with every run and he’ll have race fitness on his side having chased home the front-running De Faoithesdream at Rathcannon two weeks ago, he’d previously finished sixth in the top class Maiden won by Keppols Hill at Athlacca in May and he may attempt to break his duck for Denis Murphy here.  Swanfold showed up well on his Monksgrange debut in April having always been up with the pace he stayed on well enough but had no chance with eventual winner Finnegan Paddy, he’s sure to come on for that experience and his second start when third to Bach Protector which both suggest he’ll be capable of breaking his Maiden this season.  Ballybogey could represent the Wilson Dennison/Colin McKeever team and this half brother to rules winner Tarrawarra (also placed in Points) is by Definite Article, he’d be the most interesting of the unraced horses and he’ll be hoping to have more luck on his debut run than fellow entrant Crowded Room did at Castletown last week when running out shortly after the start in the 5&6yo Geldings Maiden won by Curraghmore.

Selection: Devil May Care

Alternative: According To Trev

14:00 Open 4yo+ (Mdns Excl)

Backstage is again entered at both fixtures this weekend and he heads the entries for this Open for Gordon Elliott, unlike at Taylorstown he’s his trainers only entry in this and comes here having won his past two Points at The Pigeons and Kirkistown as prep’s for an assault on the Aintree Grand National.  He finished tenth there last season and hasn’t been seen since pulling up in the Fairyhouse equivalent, no doubt his debut run this season will again be a prep for Aintree.  Bringbackthebert caused something on a surprise by stepping up into an Open straight from a 6yo Maiden last season when taking home Athlacca’s banks race at the May fixture in a tight finish with Ballinahow Boy, he finished second in a Maiden here as recently as February which shows how far he’s come in such a short space of time, it will be interesting to see how well he does in his first Open over regulation fences.  Ballyverane Oscar was beaten twenty eight lengths by Backstage in a Kirkistown Open last season and has been seen just twice since, firstly when pulling up in a Durrow Open at the end of February and latterly coming back off a break in May when falling mid-race in a three winner race at Necarne.  At fourteen Bad Dog John will be the oldest horse in the field should he line up and James Casserly’s charge was making his return from an absence in excess of two years when pulling up in an Open at Kinsale back in June.  Bad Dog John took out the Older Maiden at this fixture in 2005 when partnered by Jason Maguire so he certainly knows his way around the course whilst this will be his fourth attempt at this race should he line up.  O’Muircheartaigh was a useful hurdler and chaser on his day but isn’t getting any younger and may make his points debut at the age of eleven here.  He raced twice under rules in the spring when well beaten in a chase at Roscommon and then when pulled up in a similar event at Limerick, his best recent effort came in September 2010 when beaten under twenty one lengths by The Burrow Vic at Sligo.  Ma Chara had a poor season last season with the beacon of hope being a runner-up position in a Stradbally Open back in April, he's had one rules start during the Summer and hopefully that has helped boost his confidence. Wizards Dust was formerly trained in the UK with his most recent victory coming at Bangor back in April 2010, he’s been well beaten on most of his starts since but has form on soft ground so it’s possible that any ease in the ground will help bring out the best of him, he could make his first start for the Slevin yard here and the change of scene may benefit him.  The final two horses entered are both coming off long lay-offs with Templers Hall being unraced since finishing sixth at Limerick in May 2009 in a Chase, his most recent victory was some 33 months ago in a Thurles Chase on soft ground so any rain will surely help his chances whilst Moscow Chieftain has had just the one start, that coming in a Ludlow bumper when beating the useful hurdler The Giant Bolster – he could make his first start for Jayne Mulqueen in this.

Selection: Backstage

Alternative: Bringbackthebert

14:30 Winner Of One 4yo+ (Mdns Excl)

Instant Dream could be seen in action for the second time this season as he attempts to seek compensation for his second to Isle Of Gold at Castletown last week, the race wasn’t run in a great time but this mare will likely come on for the run and she’s gone close in two winner races in the past when second in a Mares race at Milltown, she’s lightly raced in recent years and it will be good to see her on the track so soon after her recent return.  Behind Instant Dream that day was Lord Lir who was pulled up four out when well beaten, this was a disappointing effort from him though it was his first venture into winners company and he can be expected to improve on that here.  Mistletoe Cottage hasn’t been seen since falling in a Beginners Chase back in June 2010, prior to that he’d run an excellent second to Ard Na Rathnigh in a Winners of One race at Ballingarry on the final weekend of the season, it’s worrying that he’s not been seen out in over a year and he’s sure to come on for his return to action.  Mr O’Shea is one of the least experienced horses in the field and he was having his first rules start when well beaten as joint-favourite at Down Royal back in August.  Mr O’Shea had previously taken out a sixteen runner Maiden at Ballingarry back in June, he was given a very patient waiting ride by Jamie Codd that day and Kieran Purcell’s charge will surely be effective at this level in time.  Crystal Fire has plenty of course form having broken her Maiden here back in January and then turning up a month later when beaten ten lengths by Teri D Trixter in a one winner race, she’s also finished fourth at the track and clearly enjoys her trips to Tinahely.  Crystal Fire hasn’t been seen since pulling up at Borris House back in April but has proven form in winners grade and can go well in this.  The Speedy Man made his seasonal return at Rathcannon on the opening day of the season and was beaten twenty lengths in the two winner race that day, he could make his second start here but is surely destined to contest Banks races later on in the season.

Selection: Mistletoe Cottage

Alternative: Crystal Fire

15:00 5yo+ Mares Maiden

Erins Lady sets the standard here on the back of her staying on third to Qoubilai at Rathcannon last month, the time wasn’t great but she was gaining on the winner and the second at the line and is sure to appreciate this greater test of stamina.  Erins Lady had been racing under rules with limited success in the Summer, most notably when beaten seven lengths in a Wexford Hurdle at the start of July.  She was consistent enough last season recording three placings in similar races and she encountered some decent mares in her defeats, she looks sure to score at some point this season and that could well be today.  Gallant Express contested the Mares Maiden at that Rathcannon fixture though she was pulled up behind Count Your Change, there was market support behind her that day and hopefully something has come to light for the disappointing effort as she had two placings from her two starts last season – at Castletown in April and most recently at Dromahane in May.  Solid Concrete made her debut here back at this fixture in 2010 in the 4yo Maiden when sixth to Lough Derg Way whilst she’s placed twice in Mares Maiden’s at the course since at the two meetings earlier this year behind Ma Nolan and Tango.  She’s not been seen since finishing unplaced in a bumper at Wexford back in April and John Walsh will be looking for another good run at the Wexford venue from his mare.  The Gordon Elliot trained Wee Doll has had just the one start so far and that came in a Downpatrick bumper when she was well beaten by Well Mett, she’s likely to improve for that run though may benefit from jumping experience in this.  Doctor Dylan is an experienced mare having made seven starts in this sphere so far, she regularly finishes her races but does seem to be seen to best effect when racing at Lingstown and either way needs to step up on what we’ve seen so far to take this.  Princess Roisibhin hasn’t been seen since placing behind the subsequent rules performer Mrs Peacock at Inchydoney in May 2010 but that marked a career best effort and there’s every chance she can be competitive in this race should she return in peak condition.

Selection: Erins Lady

Alternative: Gallant Express

15:30 6yo+ Geldings Maiden

Some Dude made his first points start in nearly two years at Rathcannon last month and it was a fine first effort back off a lay off when he chased home Qoubilai in a similar race to this.  This was coming off the back of two pulled up efforts under rules in May and connections will surely be hoping for more of the same in this.  Imperial Vic could represent leading trainer Colin Bowe in this and he was been a regular in similar races last season, most notably when racking up four consecutive places at Kilworth, Ballyragget, Lingstown and Limavady in March and April.  He was last seen when finishing seventh of nine finishers in a 6yo+ Maiden at Toomebridge in May and is no doubt one of the lesser lights in his trainers stable but remains capable of winning an older Maiden at some point.  Kansascity Shuffle contested the pointers bumper at Tipperary back in May, he was well beaten on that occasion but had previously chased home the subsequently rules placed Bawn Reagh at Oldcastle in April, that was his first start after a prolonged absence having been pulled up on his Stradbally debut back in April 2010.  High Commissioner is another entered here to have contested a race at the Rathcannon fixture on the opening day of the season, he was pulled up behind the potentially useful De Faoithesdream and is sure to improve for the run having placed fourth on his previous two Maiden starts at Ballingarry (subsequently disqualified) and Stradbally.  Narrandera contested the 5yo Geldings Maiden here three years and was fourth on that occasion, he’s had three disappointing starts since most recently at Limerick in May in a Beginners Chase and his trainer will surely be hoping to see more from him on his return to points.  Denis O’Connor’s Wild Irish could make his fourth career start here with his best effort coming when a close fifth at Sligo back in May, his previous starts had resulted in a fall at Castletown and a debut fourth to Robbie Kaydee at The Pigeons in March.

Selection: Kansascity Shuffle

Alternative: Some Dude