Parliament gets vote
Michael O’Brien’s five-year-old, formerly trained on the flat in England by David Loder, made a favourable impression when getting off the mark over flights at Fairyhouse on January 1.
A strong order in the market, 3-1 to 2-1 favourite, the selection easily dismissed main rival Jazz Messenger by a cosy three and a half lengths. Jazz Messenger upheld the form when subsequently scoring at Navan.
That horse’s stable companion, Augherskea - Paul Carberry rides returning from a neck injury - is the biggest worry. He has a high rating (131) and will be too good for these if putting his best foot forward.
Augherskea’s best performance last campaign came in a Grade Two at Naas in February when fourth behind Black Apalachi, Homer Wells and Sweet Kiln with Southern Vic in fifth spot.
He hasn’t, however, always found a whole lot off the bridle and it is also a worry that this is very much a belated seasonal debut.
Central House may be missing from the Grade Two MacLochlainn Road Markings Ltd Kinloch Brae ’Chase, but it is still a decent line-up with Hi Cloy obviously the one to beat.
Michael Hourigan’s gelding has a minimum of 9lbs in hand and comes here on the back of two Grade One successes of late, at Punchestown and Leopardstown.
Admittedly that latest win at Leopardstown came courtesy of Roger Loughran’s much publicised blunder on Central House, but it was still a fine effort on the part of Hi Cloy.
It is probably folly then opposing the certain favourite, but a chance is taken with Newmill, 21lbs wrong with Hi Cloy, who still has time to fulfil his undoubted potential over fences.
A high-class hurdler, he was only beaten three parts of a length by Brave Inca at Leopardstown as a novice, little went right for him at this game last season.
But Newmill has bounced back with two excellent performances, particularly his latest third to Brave Inca and Harchibald in the December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown at Christmas.
Carrigeeen Kalmia looked much improved when allowed bowl along in front to score by eight lengths at Navan.
On the basis that similar tactics will again be employed, she is the choice in the Coolmore Westerner EBF Mares Novice ‘Chase.
