Excalibur can cut down rivals
The son of Danehill made a huge impression when making a very belated start at the Curragh back in October.
A big order in the market, he went off even-money to beat 25 rivals, Excalibur produced a stunning display to land his maiden by 15 lengths.
Again O’Brien has taken his time starting him off this campaign, and he has to shrug off the steadier of 10-4, but it will disappointing should the four-year-old fail to do the business.
Jamie Spencer, who partners Excalibur, also teams up with Gazzarini in the banshahousestables.com Handicap and Joe Crowley’s progressive sort rates the nap.
Certainly, he looked a horse on the upgrade when making all the running to beat Day Ticket a length at Naas last time. Day Ticket did his bit for the form with a good effort at the Curragh subsequently and Gazzarini is fancied to defy a 7lbs hike in the weights.
Crowley, of course, is Aidan O’Brien’s father-in-law and his daughter, Frances, can supply the solution to the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Maiden with Kay Two.
This consistent sort is dropped in class, having finished a creditable fourth to Democrat Deficit in the Group Two Railway Stakes at the Curragh on his latest appearance.
The four-runner Woodlands’ Catering ’Chase looks a straight match between Dermot Weld’s pair, Direct Bearing and Stage Affair, both, presumably, getting organised for Galway.
The handicapper currently has Stage Affair 3lbs above Direct Bearing, but the latter, who is on the upgrade, as against an opponent whose best years are behind him, is much preferred.
