Like-A-Butterfly can wing in again
Christy Roche’s imposing mare is rapidly reaching the veteran stage, she will be 11 on January 1, but doesn’t have huge mileage on the clock and is the one to beat.
A former high class hurdler, numbering Limestone Lad among her victims, Like-A-Butterfly made a tremendous start over fences at Naas in November.
She jumped like an old hand then, cruising to a four lengths victory over Aye Aye Popeye, which was no indication of her superiority.
Getting the soft ground she needs to produce her best, Like-A-Butterfly can beat Newmill, well adrift of her at Naas, but back on song with a smooth victory at Clonmel subsequently.
Another interesting contender in the 10-runner race is the Edward O’Grady-trained Ned Kelly.
He has not run since finishing third to Limestone Lad in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle in 2002 and will be having a first start over fences.
Dermot Weld’s Queen Astrid is the nap choice in the Durkan New Homes Maiden Hurdle, having been rested since contesting a Group Two at Longchamp back in October during Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe weekend.
Talented on the level, she had previously taken second spot behind Cache Creek in a Listed event at Gowran Park and is sure to have been well schooled for this assignment.
The Durkan New Homes Juvenile Hurdle, the best race of its kind run so far this season, is extremely tricky.
Arch Rebel and Barati are interesting recruits to the jumping game, but the tough Stromstad, successful at Down Royal and Fairyhouse, gets the nod.
The Bumper can go to Noel Meade’s once-raced Celtic Sammy. He went under by two lengths to a promising sort in David Wachman’s Albert Mooney at Fairyhouse last month and the form was boosted when third placed Publican, beaten a further six lengths, went in next time.
At Limerick on Sunday, Kahuna can finally get off the mark over fences in the Sliabh Luachra Beginners ’Chase.
A most unlucky sort thus far, it was only in the final strides that he gave best by a neck to Sandy Owen at Thurles on his latest appearance.
Emotional Article, who won a handicap with any amount in hand at Gowran Park, can prove too strong for Guest Artist in the Tom Cross Drilling Hurdle.
The biggie at Limerick is the Grade Two Guinness Greenmount Park Novice ’Chase. Only six are set to face the starter, but you cannot dismiss any of them with certainty.
Colonel Monroe, who turned over long odds-on Fota Island at Gowran Park, is burdened with the selection.
