Defi has definite prospects in maiden
Kevin Prendergast’s colt has improved with every run and it will be disappointing if he doesn’t, at worst, go very close!
He began with a remote fourth to Amsterdam at Leopardstown and then ran a race rich in promise next time to again fill fourth behind the smart Indesatchel at the Curragh.
The son of Rainbow Quest’s latest effort, back at the Curragh, indicated his turn would not be long delayed.
Defi seemed unsuited by the slow early pace, but was noted staying on particularly well at the end to finish a length and a half and a length third to Aidan O’Brien’s Carnegie Hall and John Oxx’s Laudable, both first-timers.
The form received a timely boost when fourth placed, Premier Dane, scored at Fairyhouse on Friday night.
Trueheart, representing Ballydoyle and a head second to Yaria at Naas - a stable companion of the selection - is an obvious worry.
Dermot Weld, who has farmed the race in the past, relies on the newcomer, Bobs Pride. The market will be the best guide to his prospects.
The Rosewell House handler usually likes to give his juveniles a run before sending them to Ballybrit, but that trend changed a year ago when he introduced subsequent Irish Derby hero, Grey Swallow, in this event.
Feature race is the GPT Handicap and the vote here falls on Rockstown Boy, who got off the mark on the level at Leopardstown last month.
You couldn’t say he was overly impressive in beating Abow by three parts of a length but, as a result, has got in on what looks a reasonable mark!
Noel Meade’s Tyndall has a leading chance in the GPT Van and Truck Rentals Handicap, having come from well off the pace when two lengths second to Eye Candy (gave 11lbs) over a mile and a half at Naas.
In The Morning, who caught the eye despite being beaten 25 lengths by subsequent Cheltenham Festival heroine Total Enjoyment at Leopardstown at Christmas, is the choice in the Bumper.
