Better Times predicted for punters
The dual bumper winner made a bad start over jumps at Limerick at Christmas, but showed that running was all wrong next time.
At Punchestown last month the Denis Cullen-trained six-year-old produced a far more promising effort, beaten seven lengths into second by Flat Out.
He could not match strides with the winner in the closing stages, but Flat Out is a talented horse and there is nothing of that caliber in this 20-strong field.
Cass Bligh, successful in a Thurles bumper, is the danger, having made an excellent debut over hurdles when third to Dr Whizz and Puyol at Leopardstown.
The Bennettsbridge Bumper is a bit of a minefield, confined to point-to-pointers, but could still house one of the better bets of the day in the shape of First Lieutenant.
Trained by Mouse Morris for the Gigginstown House Stud, he is reportedly highly-regarded, justifying 4-1 to 4-6 when easily winning his only spin to date at Kilfeacle.
At Naas tomorrow the down-in-class Whodoyouthink rates the nap in the www.naasracecourse.com Novice Hurdle.
He bolted in at Leopardstown at Christmas and was then, predictably, out of his depth subsequently when a well-beaten fourth behind Dunguib in the Grade 1 Deloitte Hurdle, back at Leopardstown.
The rather frustrating Zaarito, if he stays on his feet, can provide the answer to the Naas Directors’ Plate Novice Chase.
In five outings over fences, he has been on the floor on three occasions and that’s not very comforting. His latest topple came in the Grade 1 Moriarty Chase at Leopardstown.
Zaarito was set to be placed behind Citizen Vic, when taking a crashing tumble at the final fence. This represents a far easier assignment and, hopefully, his confidence hasn’t been destroyed.
Willie Mullins’ Angus House might be the answer to a moderate Lakelands Maiden Hurdle. The ex-pointer appeared woefully one-paced when ten lengths runner-up behind Current Resession in a Naas bumper in January.
Perhaps, three miles over flights will bring about the necessary improvement and show the seven-year-old in a more favourable light.
