Universal Truth looks up to the task
A model of consistency, the four-year-old doesn’t know how to run a bad race and, of course, is trained by Dermot Weld.
Successful in three bumpers, he actually produced his best performance in defeat when a highly creditable fourth behind Dunguib at the Punchestown Festival.
The selection made his debut on the flat at Leopardstown in early June, strolling to victory in what was, admittedly, an ordinary contest.
The biggest worry will be if Pat Flynn decides to run yesterday’s Galway Hurdle hero, Bahrain Storm, again.
He was simply superb in the Hurdle and a current rating on the flat of 98 tells us he will take an awful lot of beating, if given the green light.
Pat Smullen partners Universal Trutrh and he and Weld can also take the Galway Publicans’ EBF Maiden with Sublime Talent. The son of Sadler’s Wells indicated his turn would not be long delayed when three and a half lengths second behind Yankee Doodle at Wexford.
He is almost certainly flattered by that performance, but Yankee Doodle is a very decent horse and it was still a smart effort all the same.
The Guinness Handicap Chase is best left to Tony Martin’s Reisk Superman, with Ruby Walsh renewing acquaintances. He warmed up for this with a pop over flights at Bellewstown and a spin on the flat at Tipperary.
If the selection strips in the same form which saw him finish an unlucky third behind Perce Rock and Conna Castle at Fairyhouse in April, he will surely go close.
Feature event is the Arthur’s Day Handicap over a mile and a half , but this looks a contest for the minimum investment.
The nod falls on the improving Taralga, seeking a three-timer, following victories at the Curragh and Tipperary.
