The Fermanagh Harriers will host the first meeting in the Northern Region on Saturday 26th September at Necarne.
R1 – Dennison Commercials 4YO Maiden
Colin Bowe enjoyed an opening day treble at Ballingarry last weekend and his GRADY HOLLOW would certainly seem to set the benchmark for this as this close relation of the capable Pylonthepressure chased home Holymacapony on his debut at Kirkistown back in February. Stable companion Dorans Bridge also made the frame on his sole previous outing, albeit not getting as close to the winner, as too did Knockanard runner-up What A Time.
R2 – Albert Bartlett 5YO Geldings Maiden
After hitting the crossbar on consecutive outings last February, PAY THE PIPER can make amends for a below par display at Borris House most recently by gaining a deserved success. Coothill finished third on his debut at Turtulla last Autumn where he finished in front of a subsequent winner, and it will be interesting to see how he fares on his belated return to action. His former stable mate Ballydam has switched yards since he last saw competitive action at Kilfeacle back in January and his Loughrea effort 11 months ago would ensure he would have to enter the equation on his stable debut.
R3 – Killyhevlin Hotel 5YO Mares Maiden
VICTORIAS PEAK holds a very notable piece of form from her Borris House outing where she finished within half-a-length of Shiroccos Dream, a horse that was subsequently bought by Colin Tizzard for 260,000 pounds. Whilst she was not able to take the required step forward at Ballyarthur back in March, this would look the ideal opportunity for her to get her head in front. Stable companion Gallopongray was not disgraced in a number of outings on the track over the Summer and this former Ballingarry runner-up offers the best alternative from those with previous experience.
R4 – Tattersalls Ireland Open
MARINERO (pictured above) was at his best when taking the first open of the season at Ballingarry last Saturday and having got the better of many capable individuals, including the potentially reopposing Sizing Solution, he could well back that up here. Stable companion Winged Leader gives David Christie a very strong hand for a local success with Arctic Skipper seemingly most likely to prevent that if making the journey as he has now won six times in open company and could make his return to action having been last seen competing at the Cheltenham Festival back in March.
R5 – Wright Concrete Winner of Two
HANDY HEADON was a real eye-catcher for Paddy Quinlan, with the Tinahely winner getting within half-a-length of the now open performer Reritetherules at in the Farmers race at Punchestown and that makes his of particular interest for this having now joined the top yard of David Christie. Stable companion Pyrios has fitness on his side having finished third at Oldcastle last Sunday, as too does High Stakes, a horse that won with what seemed a good deal at hand on his debut at Ballingarry a day earlier.
R6 – Fermanagh Harriers Hunt Committee 6YO Geldings Maiden
Having finished a fair fourth at Downpatrick on the final day prior to the cut-off to run between the flags this autumn, MICHAELS PICK could take full advantage by stepping up from his second at Oldcastle last Sunday behind what was likely an above average winner for the age group. General Ryan has struggled to recapture his Tinahely form, whilst Airdrigh and First Revolution are others who cannot be discounted if putting their best foot forward.
