Active the answer

ACTIVE MEMBER, who has been largely disappointing, can find the opposition to his liking in the Kilbeggan Maiden Hurdle at the Co. Westmeath track this evening.

Noel Meade’s gelding was sent off a well-backed favourite to take a similar contest at Wexford last month, but went down by a length and a half to No Toulon.

Essentially, he looked one to avoid in the future, but there was plenty of encouragement in his latest effort at Galway last Sunday.

Tackling very useful company, Active Member finished four and a half lengths and a neck third behind easy winner Wouldn’t You Agree and Gemini Guest. He faces nothing of that calibre on this occasion and a repeat of the Galway display, rather than the Wexford effort, will see him home in front!

Christy Roche has a fine record at this track and he could be in line for a double with Up The Souths and Angela’s Way.

Up The Souths has shown little thus far, but steps up to three miles for the first time, in the Hamill MG Rover Handicap Hurdle, and will be worth supporting, if the market speaks in his favour.

Angela’s Way landed a little touch in a canter at Ballinrobe two months ago and may be capable of following-up in the Joe Cooney Memorial Handicap ’Chase.

Edward O’Grady too has double-prospects. His Quintus ran a cracking race, under 12-0, when third to Town Gossip at Cork on Monday and gets the nod in the Tullamore Handicap Hurdle.

Laurier Rose, fifth to Lord Of The Turf at Galway on Sunday, has a leading chance in the J A Shaw Beginners Chase.