Last Stand can get off the mark after two close calls
At Clonmel last month, Tony Mullins' charge was mugged on the line and beaten a short head by Boston Pilot. It was a similar story when The Last Stand returned to Clonmel a couple of weeks later. Again he was literally grabbed in the final stride and beaten a short head by Kylebeg Dancer.
The downside for the selection is that he has gone up 8lbs for those two near misses, but is an improving three-year-old who remains at the right end of a moderate event.
Mullins has prospects as well with Orpen Sunshine in the Sunday July 10th At Sligo Handicap. She is another progressive three-year-old, who wasn't disgraced when beaten two and a half lengths into second by in-form Morning Glow at Clonmel.
Torcello is a hopeful choice in the Sligo Claiming Race. The seven-year-old looked all over a winner at Clonmel, but died late and was beaten half a length by fast-finishing Penny Rich. The short, flat, run-in from the final turn could be just what is required.
Mouftari is the interesting one in a very poor looking Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute Handicap Hurdle. Truth to tell he has done little in three outings over flights since coming to this country, but showed plenty of ability, ending with a rating of 80, when trained on the level in England last season by Barry Hills.
Tarad, whose saddle slipped at an early stages when sixth behind Charyan at Tipperary, gets the vote in the Bumper.
