Drive On Chief could be the best bet on a tough card

AFTER a short Christmas break, racing returns to Curraheen Park tonight and it looks a particularly difficult one for punters.

Four novice events on the 10-race card means there are limitedopportunities for betting and therefore a speculative nap goes to Drive On Chief in the eighth race.

Thomas O’Donovan’s dog looked very green when beaten half a length by one of his rivals here, Noel Named Holly, on his debut, but the runner-up looks better drawn this time and could reverse form if producing a decent break from the inside.

There is a small fear that GlaiseGiant may want to move in to the rails early, but Drive On Chief is big enough to hold his own.

If he can match Noel Named Holly to the turn, he should be able to take advantage of the inside line and put a seal on the race. The last named is also open to improvement and should not be discounted too readily.

In the closing race Julia is dropped a mile and should be able to make the most of it.

The bitch is a habitually slow starter, but such is her ability, she should be able to turn close in this A4 company before making her stamina count.

The danger is likely to come from Ray Lad, who looks capable of leading from the outside and will benefit if the selection finds trouble in running.

The seventh race is a high-class novices’ event and there are a number of likely types in it. The market should reveal plenty, but on trial form, the one to catch the eye is Haughty Saphire.

Frank Clune and Anne O’Brien’s pup posted a very smart 18.03 sprint last time and he is from a litter that has already produced numerous winners. If he can find improvement, he should go very close to making a winning start. The danger could come from Butterbridge Lee, who could prove well drawn if breaking on terms.

SELECTIONS

Race 1: Thats No Lady (Clonmeen Vale)

Race 2: Glenartney (Barthlemy Romeo)

Race 3: Spur Bound (Roaming Bob)

Race 4: Cooleyhane Hero (Aberfoyle)

Race 5: Barthlemy Rocket (Topstar Mac)

Race 6: Betchers King (Burley Ted)

Race 7: Haughty Saphire (Butterbridge Lee)

Race 8: Drive On Chief (Nap) (Noel Named Holly)

Race 9: Big Ronda (Rushmoor Honey)

Race 10: Julia (Ray Lad)

CURRAHEEN PARK

7:47 — 525 — Paddock Breeze, Thats No Lady, Clonmeen Vale, Able Customer, Galley Mojo, Umera Val.

525 — Glenartney, Bartlemy Romeo, Supporting Cast, Springville Hum, Chicago Bear, Galley June.

330 — Fernando Beth, Conna Bridge, Upton Classic, Bridevalley Gill, Spur Bound, Roaming Bob.

525 — Glaise Breeze, Bold Three, Aberfoyle, Miss Spectacular, Wonder Which, Cooleyhane Hero.

525 — Bold Lad, Bartlemy Rocket, Sleek Mo, Bellview Emma, Fermoy Goodtyme, Topstar Mac.

330 — Valentine Rio, Betchers King, Vernon Brave, Canadian Threse, Burley Ted, Castlecor Tricks.

525 — Butterbridge Lee, Aghaburren Song, Loughglynn Star, Haughty Saphire, Crossfield Paulo, Fermoy Scolari.

525 — Drive On Chief, Glaise Giant, Gaytime Rooney, Noel Named Holly, Bridevalley Dawn, Midian Beo.

525 — Paddock Bound, Big Ronda, Rushmoor Honey, Galley Express, Compass Bailey, Lahana Zoomo.

525 — Julia, Bold Two, Compass Bosley, Cookies Mal, Pleasant Hondo, Ray Lad.