Nine O can defy handicapper
He enjoyed a lucrative time over flights, prior to returning to fences at Thurles a week ago. The selection beat Euro’swell then by three and a half lengths, but went up a whopping 17lbs for his audacity.
In theory that should certainly stop him now, but Nine O did score with any amount in hand and, since he was racing off a low base anyway, has every chance of defying the handicapper.
Lodge Princess gets the vote in the Sin Bin Nite Club Maiden Hurdle, a contest which houses one or two very interesting recruits to the jumping game.
Gerry O’Neill’s mare, however, is a consistent sort, who again performed creditably on this track in January when three lengths second to Cloone Leader.
The somewhat frustrating Dessie Hughes trained Sea Diva should go well in a wide-open looking Murray Laoire Architects Mares Hurdle.
Beaten by Bye Day at Clonmel on her latest appearance, she has plenty going for her at the weights, particularly with the very capable Niki O’Shea taking 5lbs off.
The National Students’ Raceday Challenge Beginners Chase is moderate and, perhaps, Allez Petit Luis will provide the solution.
He was destined for the runner-up berth on this track last month when falling at the last in the contest won by Practice Match.
Sorrentina is the fancy in the Rockview Mares Bumper. She won an ordinary event at Fairyhouse, but impressed with her attitide and should, at worst, go close.
Azkaban Wings, a well beaten third behind Holly Tree in a Thurles bumper, could be up to winning a dreadful Shaun McManus Fundraiser Maiden Hurdle.
