Lake a hopeful choice in wide open Hurdle
David Wachman’s charge is a tough customer, who will surely be up with the pace from the start and is virtually certain to run a big race.
He returned from a break to perform really well in his first handicap behind Blue Away and Portant Fella at Killarney and was then given a blow-out in the GPT Handicap on the level here on Monday night.
Callow Lake made a lot of the running then and wasn’t given a hard time in the closing stages, as he faded to finish ninth behind Rockstown Boy.
That should have left him spot-on for this, his biggest test.
There are numerous dangers, among them last year’s first and second, Sabadilla and Cloone River respectively and Essex.
Sabadilla was fifth in Callow Lake’s Killarney race and that was encouraging.
He bids to become the first horse to win back-to-back hurdles since Pinch Hitter in ’83.
Cloone River has been in cracking form on the flat, but it is of some concern that this will be the first time he has jumped a flight in public since last year’s Galway Hurdle.
The classy Essex, an unlucky third to Cherub and Made In Japan at Punchestown in April, could be very well in, but the downside is that this is his first handicap.
Progressive Rosnagowloge gets the nap to complete a three-timer in the St James’ Gate Novice Hurdle.
He’s enjoyed two smooth success over two miles at Limerick, giving the impression that this step up in trip will suit.
Dermot Weld has prospects of a double with Lowlander and Zeroberto.
Lowlander has reportedly schooled nicely and is fancied to get off the mark at the first time of asking over fences in the Guinness Beginners Chase.
Zeroberto, an easy winner over flights here on Monday night, could be tossed into the Smithwicks Handicap off a mark of just 56!
