Better show expected from Newmill
Thomas O’Leary’s charge is, however, on a retrieving mission, having got well beaten on his debut over fences at Naas last month.
A brilliant novice hurdler, plenty was expected off him in that event. Indeed, Newmill jumped and travelled nicely for most of the journey, but then dropped out rather quickly between the final two fences.
In the end he was beaten eighteen and a half lengths into fifth spot behind the hugely impressive Like-A-Butterfly.
It was a disappointing performance. There would have been no disgraace in going down to Like-A-Butterfly, but Aye Aye Popeye, Mutineer and Laoch Dubh, who all finished in front of Newmill, should not have been in his league on all known form.
Perhaps, the six-year-old simply blew up and will strip a lot fitter now! For the moment, he is entitled to the benefit of the doubt.
Christy Roche’s Calladine is a hopeful nap choice in the Demesne Beginners Chase.
He hasn’t visited the winner’s enclosure since taking the Leopardstown November Handicap over three years ago and, essentially, has mostly offered little in the meantime.
There was a lot to like about his latest effort, however, over two miles and seven at Downpatrick. The selection ran heavily-backed market leader, Keepatem, to three parts of a length, it was a further 12 lengths back to the third, and a repeat of that should certainly see Calladine go close.
The opening Powerstown three-year-old Maiden Hurdle is tricky, but a minor wager on Ask Carol may not miss the target by a whole lot.
She stuck to her in good style, although ultimately outclassed, when two lengths second behind odds-on Rolling Home at Thurles six days ago.
