Diva can get off mark in opener
His Viva La Diva looks the part in the Tattersalls Ireland Maiden Auction Stakes. The Danetime filly finished fifth in an auction maiden over seven furlongs at Leopardstown last month and returned to the Foxrock venue nine days ago when she was beaten a length by Lady’s Mantle over a furlong shorter trip. Back over seven furlongs tonight, she can see off Before Dawn.
Clew Bay meanwhile can take a step up in class in his stride in the featured Fermoy Handicap.
Tonight’s pilot, Pat Shanahan, was also in the saddle when the selection took a 0-75 handicap over this trip at Limerick last time out, being shaken-up in the final furlong to get the better of Emperor Naheem (rec. 10lbs) by a head.
He is preferred to Flying Knight who carried top weight to victory in a Leopardstown handicap nine days ago.
The best bet on the card is the Charlie Swan trained In The Hat in the Sand & Gravel Hurdle. The Roselier gelding hasn’t been seen out since winning a handicap hurdle at Listowel in April ( good to firm) and a reproduction of that form should be good enough for him to see off Raunchy.
