Settle set for a quick follow-up
The choicely bred Academy Award may have most to fear from Lawood in the opener. The Frank Ennis trained runner went to Haydock last time to contest Auction Maiden. Starting at 4-7 for the twelve runner contest, he found one too good in Semenovski, going under by a length and a half. Prior to that he also filled the runner-up spot behind the progressive Pakhoes at the Curragh in a six furlong maiden and should be suited by the extra furlong this evening.
The John Mulhern-trained Settle meanwhile opened his account for the season when scoring with something to spare at Leopardstown last Saturday, beating Hasina by two lengths. Kinane tracked the leaders before coming through to lead at the furlong pole and win comfortably. Settle can follow-up here at the expense of She's So Beautiful.
The best bet on the card looks to be the Noel Meade trained Carlesimo in the Glen of Aherlow Novice Hurdle. The son of Erins Isle was on a hat-trick mission when going under by a length to Aleemdar (who later went on to score at Killarney) in a two mile novice hurdle at Naas and probably would have won only for being hampared by a faller three out.
He had previously won at Kilbeggan and Bellewstown and can bounce back to form here.
Selections
5.30: Academy Award (nb) 6.00: Settle 6.30: Carlesimo (nap) 7.00: Sticky Sweetheart 7.30: Brief Dance 8.00: Torose 8.30: That's Magic 9.00: Kelly's Craft
Next Best
5.30: Lawood 6.00: She's So Beautiful 6.30: Night of Nights 7.00: Princess Luna 7.30: Taranges 8.00: Town Gossip 8.30: Mars En Careme 9.00: Litron
