Solerina will take plenty of catching
This 14 furlongs test has attracted some cracking National Hunt campaigners and Solerina faces plenty of opposition from the likes of Georges Girl, Rockstown Boy, Top Strategy and stable companion, Florida Coast.
Indeed some, or all, of them are likely to play a prominent part in the forthcoming Punchestown Festival.
The selection, however, is certain to adopt her usual front-running tactics and will take plenty of catching.
She set a scorching pace over two miles at the Curragh to beat Handel an unflattering six lengths with Florida Coast, now 12lbs better in, a further two and a half lengths away in third.
Georges Girl, who has enjoyed a terrific campaign over flights, looks the main danger. She beat Hardy Eustace at Gowran Park and that form received a massive boost when Dessie Hughes’ star went on the land the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Kevin Prendergast’s once-raced Doctor Kananga gets the nod in the Primus Advertising Maiden, having run well for a long way when third behind L’altra Mondo at the Curragh.
Aidan O’Brien’s first-timer, Joyce, by Danehill Dancer, is the obvious worry.
Prendergast has prospects of a double with Mufradat in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Fillies Maiden.
The daughter of Desert Prince showed little in one outing as a juvenile, but indicated she may have progressed over the winter when half a length second runner-up to Erreur at the Curragh last month.
The conditions of the www.tipperary.ie Race are mildly amusing, with penalties to count from June 1, 2003.
What it means is that Oversighted, who scored at Leopardstown on June 4, carries a 7lbs penalty, while Jemmy’s Brother, who won at Leopardstown on May 21, escapes any extra. The John Oxx newcomers are the unknown factor, but from this range Jemmy’s Brother gets the vote.
