Nation one to note
Dermot Weld’s colt has taken time to hit form this season, he was a more than useful juvenile, but looked in good shape when taking an ordinary contest by an easy three and a half lengths at Limerick earlier this month.
The ground was actually on the soft side for the selection on that occasion and the likely much faster surface now should see him in an even better light.
Aidan O’Brien’s once-raced Ace is the obvious worry, having cruised to victory in a moderate maiden at Navan in June.
O’Brien sets a real poser by saddling three of the eight runners in the Listed Tyros Stakes. Rather surprisingly, at least to this observer, Amsterdam is the choice of Jamie Spencer.
Certainly, he was far from impressive when scrambling to a half a length defeat of King Of Tory on this track and the runner-up has done little for the form in the meantime.
I propose taking a chance with another Ballydoyle inmate, Stagelight, the mount of Pat Cosgrave. In contrast to Amsterdam, there was plenty to like about the way he dismissed the challenge of subsequent winner, Cappa Blanca, also at Leopardstown.
Impending motherhood clearly suits Cache Creek and Pat Hughes’ mare gets the nod to complete a hat-trick in the Group Three Meld Stakes.
She followed a cantering success in a Roscommon handicap with a smooth victory in a conditions event at Leopardstown ten days ago.
English challenger Ruby Rocket, the mount of Michael Kinane, looks best in the Sweet Mimosa Stakes.
At Wexford tonight Ruby Walsh is a significant booking for the enigmatic Hawaiian Son in the Talbot Hotel Beginners Chase.
The six-year-old is worth a bet, in a poor race, having looked all over a winner at Kilbeggan last time, until grabbed close home and beaten a length by Moss Bawn.
Michael Halford’s Omas Leader is the one to be on in the Bumper.
She ran on to good effect when half a length second to the gambled-on Lorna’s Star at Fairyhouse and will surely come on plenty for the experience.
