Solerina can get off mark on the level
She was eventually well beaten at Prestbury Park, a combination of three miles and rather uncharacteristic jumping errors leaving her with too high a mountain to climb.
But off bottom weight in this conditions event, the seven-year-old will take plenty of pegging back over this very stiff two miles.
Aidan O’Brien’s Handel, a more than useful three-year-old, is the obvious worry. I doubt his ability, however, to reel in the selection at a difference of 15lbs!
Wathab, who ran ten times as a juvenile, is the clear fom choice in the Listed Oak Lodge and Hamford Stud Sires Loughbrown Stakes.
His one length second to English 2000 Guineas market leader, One Cool Cat, in the National Stakes here in September speaks for itself and, with new trainer, Dermot Weld, expressing satisfaction at the well-being of the colt he has to get the vote.
Weld takes the wraps off the Darshaan colt, Cairdeas, in the Ray O’Brien Mazda Maiden. He was given favourable mention at the trainer’s recent press-day and will carry the colours of President, Mary McAleese.
Feature event is the Gladness Stakes, but this looks a real puzzle and finding the winner of the National might prove easier.
Former Royal Ascot Jersey Stakes success-story, Steenberg, who rounded off last season with victory in a Listed race at Doncaster, is a token choice.
At Tramore tomorrow, Noel Meade has prospects of a double with Athlumney Lad and My Native Lad.
Athlumney Lad, successful twice on the flat last season, can take the Waterford and Tramore Directors’ Maiden Hurdle.
Having only his second outing over jumps, he gave the impression there was better to come when sixth to Sky To Sea at Thurles.
My Native Lad is the one to beat in the Bumper. He is on the upgrade and this represents a minor drop in class, following a promising third to Monty Mint and Homer Wells at Fairyhouse.
Paul Nolan too has possibilities of a brace. His Jordans Lad, who failed by a length to concede Its Over 15lbs on this track, gets the vote in the Brian Griffin Auctioneer Beginners Chase.
Nolan’s Snowy Ford, who showed his liking for the delights of Tramore when beating Ollar Rose (rec. 12lbs) a cosy four lengths last time, may confirm the placings in the Jimmy Griffin Memorial Handicap Chase.
