Thursday, November 19, 2009
TOM TAAFFE’S Smoking Aces is the nap choice to land the Clonoulty Hurdle at Thurles this afternoon.
He would almost certainly prefer a longer trip than two miles, but the ground is going to be testing and that will be a help.
The selection lost his way a little towards the backend of last season, running no sort of race at the Punchestown Festival and finishing a disappointing second to Oscar Looby at Gowran Park.
At Leopardstown at Christmas, however, Smoking Aces was a creditable second to the high-class Voler La Vedette and then next time beat Puyol at Naas.
That represents more than useful form in the context of this contest, and, hopefully, Smoking Aces will strip reasonably close to the peak of his powers.
The opening www.thurlesraces.ie Beginners Chase promises a fascinating tussle between Bob Lingo and Sports Line.
Bob Lingo has two outings over fences under his belt, producing a solid effort last time to chase home Whatuthink on this track.
Preference, however, is for Sports Line, even if there is a strong suspicion he would be better travelling left-handed.
Willie Mullins’ charge was particularly impressive at Naas on his latest appearance, beating Corskeagh Royale by 15 lengths at Naas in March.
Prima Vista didn’t get the most inspired of drives when third at Naas last time and will be bidding to redress the balance in the Cahir Maiden Hurdle.
Preference, though, is for Jessica Harrington’s Colleoni, who has plenty of experience over flights and has been performing well on the flat of late.
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