Tipper Road looks worth another chance
The selection was partnered by a relatively inexperienced 7lbs claimer on that occasion and it is encouraging the in-form Declan McDonogh now takes over.
At Naas, Pat Hughes’ charge was held up in the early stages, before making up his ground far too quickly approaching the home turn.
He was in front early in the straight, but had nothing left in the closing stages, fading to finish fourth behind Eye Candy.
One would expect Tipper Road to be ridden differently now and he is well capable of running a big race.
Jamie Spencer takes over from another claimer aboard Widely Accepted in the Irish Stallion Farms’ Median Auction Maiden and that too can reap a reward.
The Mujadil gelding was noted staying on nicely at the end of seven furlongs at Limerick when third to Alayan and stable companion, Belle Artiste.
Spencer and Pat Hughes are fancied to team up with Lil Doyle to take the first division of the Killarney Avenue-Munster Joinery Handicap.
The four-year-old was three parts of a length second to Philgirl at Sligo and had the subsequent winner, Ashlawn, two lengths behind in third.
A third Spencer possibility is Dakinie, a close third to Black Turtle at Leopardstown, in the Aghadoe Heights Hotel Handicap.
It is difficult to place a lot of faith in any of the four runners in the Brehon Hotel Chase, but the nod falls on Mutakarrim, who has been in good form on the flat of late.
