Conna can continue on upgrade
Jimmy Mangan’s dual bumper winner got off the mark over flights with a vengeance at Punchestown last month.
Conna Castle moved through that contest like a dream and it was always only a question of when he was asked to go about his business.
He quickened in style after the final flight to beat Cosmo King (rec.10lbs) by three and a half lengths and certainly wasn’t extended in doing so. The form received a timely boost at Thurles on Thursday when Cosmo King won a moderate maiden hurdle by ten lengths.
The bold front-running Mansony should take plenty of pegging back in the Kilcock Novice Chase, despite having to hump top weight. Arthur Moore’s gelding likes to get his own way and there is every possibility of this race working out to suit. The seven-year-old revels in testing conditions and could hardly have been more impressive when slamming Zum See to the tune of 25 lengths at Navan last time.
Christy Roche’s charges are going through a lean period, but there is no denying the prospects of his Care And Share in the Bumper.
The Taipan gelding was beaten three and a half lengths by Failte Arais at Leopardstown, having gone to the front plenty soon enough.
The Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Novice Handicap Chase Final, transferred from Navan today, may be best left to Carrigeen Kalmia.
Touched off late by Court Leader at Thurles in January, she will be more at home with an extra half mile to travel and on this galloping track.
Wine Fountain, runner-up to Cheltenham bound Toofarback at Punchestown in December, gets the nod in the Lakelands Maiden Hurdle.
Navan today has to pass an inspection at 7.30 in the morning, but if the green light is given then Royaldou should not be opposed in the second section of the N. I Children’s Hospice Maiden Hurdle.
He will be a tight price, but gets the nap on a day which promises very few betting opportunities. Royaldou was beaten by Sweet Wake, market-leader for Tuesday’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, at Leopardstown and then by the smart and unbeaten Mr Nosie, also at Leopardstown.
