Surface right for The Last Derby

IT hasn’t been the best of campaigns for Eoin Griffin, who currently languishes 24th in the trainers’ championship with just 13 successes.

Perhaps, The Last Derby might signal an upswing in the stable's fortunes by landing the nap in the Mullinavat Novice Hurdle at Gowran Park this evening.

On a card in which there are very few betting opportunities, the eight-year-old could prove capable of taking what is a competitive heat.

He will, however, have to improve on his latest performance when sixth of six behind Go Native at Naas in February.

The Last Derby ran a bit better than his final placing might indicate and that was a Grade 2 won by a horse who went on to greater glory in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Previously, the selection was a creditable third behind Quiscover Fontaine atLimerick and Go Native and China Rock at Punchestown. What really sways one towards him, though, is his proven ability to handle the surface. It is now drying out rapidly and that will hold no fears for The Last Derby, who won a bumper on quick ground at Tipperary in the summer.

Danderry, who is becoming costly to follow, gets a final chance in the three mile Gowran Park Golf Spring Team Event 2009 Maiden Hurdle. He was beaten two and a half lengths into second by Ten Fires at Naas last month and that was disappointing. Paul Flynn's charge had plenty in hand of Ten Fires, on their running behind Themoonandsixpence at Fairyhouse previously, but this looks a weak enough contest and Danderry is again the one to beat.

The Inistioge Maiden Hurdle is a woeful race and, maybe, Sumkindasuprstar, third to Majestic Oak at Clonmel, will provide the solution!

Nazdaq, beaten a length and a quarter by Azana (rec. 13lbs) at Downpatrick on Sunday, gets the vote in the Goresbridge Handicap Hurdle.