Mutakarrim can outclass rivals in Ballybrit opener
He warmed up for this with an outing on the flat at Leopardstown earlier in the month when finishing fourth, under a big weight, in the contest won by Queens Wharf.
The selection’s form over flights so far has, admittedly, been largely more to do with promise than substance, but as long as the ground doesn’t ride too testing he can outclass rivals who are mostly moderate.
Weld runs newcomer Anna Frid in the McDonogh Feeds Fillies Maiden and this full-sister to useful sprinter Agnetha gets the vote.
The market should provide a better guide than the Form Book, because those who have already run won’t take a lot of beating.
It’s a fascinating little contest with Aidan O’Brien introducing In The Limelight (by Sadler’s Wells) and John Oxx starts off Canouan, also by Sadler’s Wells, and a half-sister to former Irish Oaks winner, Winona.
Weld can also provide the answer to the McDonogh Style Concepts Maiden with once-raced Perfect Touch.
The daughter of Miswaki was very easy to back on her debut when two lengths second to La Pieta at Naas last month. That was a poor contest, but Perfect Touch is likely to be a different proposition now.
Feature event is the McDonogh Handicap but, as usual, this makes no appeal whatsoever from a punting point of view.
A hopeful nod falls on the progressive Vinthea, who has a bad draw to overcome, but will revel in the rain-softened surface.
She won a handicap in smooth style on her seasonal debut at Leopardstown and was far from disgraced when fourth behind the John Dunlop trained Tashawak in a listed event at Royal Ascot.
Barrow Drive, if he manages a clear round, can land the Albatros Plant Nutrition Chase.
He did his job well enough when scoring easily at Kilbeggan last time and is capable of going a relentless gallop from the start.
Selections
5.00 Mutakarrim
5.35 Barrow Drive
6.10 Anna Frid
6.50 Vinthea
7.25 Rachel’s Delight
8.00 Perfect Touch
8.35 Crimson Flower
Next Best
Missatrick
Aye Surely
In The Limelight
Masani
Any News
Sassania
White Queen
DOUBLE: Mutakarrim & Perfect Touch
