Now or never for frustrating Ground Ball
Charlie Swan’s charge invariably finds at least one too good for him, but there are solid reasons for giving him the benefit of the doubt on this occasion.
The most important is that the six-year-old simply looks too good for the opposition and we have to be hopeful he will be able to dominate for most of the two and a half mile journey.
The selection’s latest effort over flights saw him fail by two and a half lengths, over this evening’s trip, to Jeff De Chalamont at Punchestown in March.
He only gave best from the final flight and the fact it was a further ten lengths to the third, Skibb, was encouraging.
Last week, at Punchestown, Ground Ball was the medium of some fair wagers.
The versatile sort was in action over fences, but again had no more to offer in the closing stages, going down by three and a half lengths to Beachcomber Bay.
It’s now or never for Ground Ball!
Dermot Weld’s very promising Govamix has to be the choice to collect in the 13 furlongs Glenville Maiden.
He was the first home of a strong Irish contingent in the Weatherbys’ Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, finishing seventh of 25 behind Liberman.
He ran really well and the form is working out nicely. Kim Fontaine, who finished eighth, scored at the Punchestown Festival and Royal Alphabet (10th) was a creditable second to Nicky Henderson’s impressive Royal Rosa, also at Punchestown.
Michael Halford’s Airolo, a first ride back for Paul Carberry following injury, can hardly be opposed in the Lanigans’ Steakhouse Maiden Hurdle.
Beaten a short head by market leader Pro Dancer at Listowel, Airolo is in a different league to these moderate rivals.
Crimson Flower, who ran away with a handicap hurdle at Punchestown, had a leading chance of a quick follow-up in the Quality Hotel Wexford Handicap.
