Officer can lay down law in the eighth

PUNTERS can start the new year on a high at Curraheen Park tonight by supporting Law Officer in the eighth race.

The selection has been a terrific servant to connections, making the frame in 26 of his 37 starts, winning 10 times.

A trap-to-line 29.02 winner last month, he was prominent for a long way before finishing out of the frame over 550 yards last time. Likely to be more at home over this trip, Law Officer should take a deal of catching.

Curryhills Ashty, who also boasts an impressive strike-rate, reads the chief danger. John Linehan’s tracker turned in a determined effort when getting up close home to notch his 12th career win in 29.07 last month. While a trap five draw is far from ideal, Curryhills Ashty is capable of making his presence felt.

The promising Mucky Obama can land the fifth race over 550 yards. James Kelleher’s dual winner kept on in determined manner when chasing home the talented Castlelyons Ralf in a sweepstake final over the standard distance in November.

As that was only his sixth start, Mucky Obama has scope for improvement and his style of running suggest he’ll be well suited by this step up in trip.

The sprint can go to the in-form Tonto Pride. Kieran Lynch’s tracker made it three from five when making all in 18.12 at Youghal last month and can go on improving.