Race 1: The Magee Family 4yo Maiden
THE MULCAIR is the only horse in here with previous experience having made his debut a fortnight ago over the shorter 2m4f trip at Oldtown. The Flemensfirth gelding went well for a long way and can be expected to improve upon his third in a quality contest won by a horse who was subsequently sold for 290,000 pounds sterling. Gigginstown House Stud bought last years winner Rapid Escape and they feature among the entries here with the well-bred Conflated, who is a half-brother to Arkle Chase-third Ordinary World.
Race 2: Gaelic Plant Hire 5yo Geldings Maiden
HADMEATHELLO finished just behind recent Oldtown victor King Of The Sharks on his debut at Nenagh, and with that form having received a timely boost, he could be the one to side with here. Park Philosopher, who is out of a three-time track winner, offered plenty of promise with his opening effort at Templencarriga on New Years Eve. He can be expected to improve for the run, whilst Financial Outcome was running a big race around here in January before departing two-out, and whilst he did disappoint at Tyrella two weeks later, he is proven around this course and can bounce back.
Race 3: The John Durkan Memorial Open
MARINERO and Morning Assembly both go in search of last minute Cheltenham Foxhunters qualification here, and with alternative opportunities for both elsewhere this weekend, they will likely not have to take each other on. Whichever of the two does run here will be the warm favourite. Carrignagapple chased home Marinero around here last month before winning in good style at Ballinaboola, whilst Dantes King and Chapter are others with good form at this venue.
Race 4: John R. Fitzpatrick - Agricultural Contractor 5yo+ Mares Maiden
With little placed form on offer from those horses with previous experience to their name, the winner may well come from the newcomers who feature among the potential line-up. JASPER BEAR, who represents David Christie, is a half-sister to Audacious Plan who won the Durham National in November. Bred by Alistair Corrigan, whose colours were carried by the ill-fated hunter chaser You Must Know Me, she could put in a good performance on debut. Holy Motivation may be the pick of the previous runners.
Race 5: Fitzpatrick, Gallagher, McEvoy Solicitors Winners Of Two
It is very difficult to look passed LA CAVSA NOSTRA for this after his facile success at Oldtown earlier this month. He brushed aside some very capable rivals on that occasion and will be expected to do so once again here. Ajijic comes here in good form having won both of his last two starts and is a tough sort having got his head in front on consecutive weekends, whilst Thinkinginmysleep and Commanding Spirit are others for the shortlist.
Race 6: Kent Carty Solicitors & ODonnell Property 6yo+ Geldings Maiden (Nov Rdrs)
COACH ROAD only found the subsequent Bellharbour winner Ajijic too good at Nenagh last month, and this could be an ideal opportunity to get off the mark. Kits Other Half, Laces Out and Premier King would all look very evenly matched on their run at Ballinaboola, and there may not be a deal to separate them here if they were to re-oppose.
