Rock of Cashel can get punters off to a flier
Rock Of Cashel, a full-brother to the brilliant Rock Of Gibraltar and representing Aidan O’Brien, performed with real promise on his debut at the Curragh fifteen days ago.
Although going off at 8-11, he was relatively light in the market and gave the impression, like a lot of Ballydoyle juveniles, he would come on plenty for the experience. Rock Of Cashel was beaten two lengths and a neck behind Mustameet and Groom Raider, staying on stoutly in the closing stages.
Dermot Weld’s Grey Swallow, a son of Daylami, will bring a huge home reputation to Ballybrit.
He was set to start off at the Curragh at the end of June and was a warm order with punters both in the moring and at the track. He got very upset in the stalls, however, and had to be withdrawn. If he does the business now it will be the 16th time Weld has won this particualr contest.
The Roswell House maestro, however, has often emphasised in the past how vital it is for a two-year-old to go to Galway with a run under his belt.
Rock Of Cashel has had just such an outing, it was full of promise as well, and is preferred.
Mirpour, seeking a four-timer, will be a popular choice in the GPT Sligo Novice Hurdle, but is readily opposed, in an interesting contest.
Barrack Buster and Always are two likely sorts, but the nod falls on Christy Roche’s jumping debutant, Selby Road, who rounded off his bumper career with a creditable neck second to Kim Fontaine at Punchestown in early May.
Weld’s Euro Pressure looks the pick of the weights in the GPT Van and Truck Rentals Handicap.
After winning a moderate maiden at Navan, she stepped up considerably when half a length second to Chartres in an apprentice race at the Curragh, a contest which has been working out quite well.
The GPT Galway Handicap is the feature, but makes no apppeal whatsoever from a punting point of view. Perhaps, in-form Masteroffoxhounds, successful over fences at Tipperary and on the level at Leopardstown, will run a big race!
