Strath Gallant looks good for openers
He is fancied to add to the tally with the once-raced Strath Gallant in the opening Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Maiden at Clonmel this evening.
The son of Alhaarth made a promising start at Leopardstown last month when finishing two lengths second to the experienced Mon Michel.
That was a slowly run contest, developing into a sprint approaching the home turn. There was, however, plenty to like about the manner in which the selection came home and he has to strip all the better for the outing.
Jim Bolger’s Seasoned, fourth behind The God Of Love at Gowran Park, is likely to be Strath Gallant’s main market rival and biggest worry on the track as well.
The Mick Murphy trained Qassas, successful on the flat for Kevin Prendergast last season, can take the Sporting Press Maiden Hurdle.
He has shown a little promise in three spins over flights, but has a place and two lengths to find with Roman Villa on the pair’s running behind Joespehine Cullen at Punchestown.
Qassas, though, was returning from a break on that occasion and appears to have a lot more scope than his rival.
Feature event is the Frank Kearney Memorial Perpetual Cup, but the handicapper has done far too good a job for comfort.
The vote falls on Tipper Road, disappointing over an inadequate 11 furlongs the last time he performed on the level, at Limerick, but third over flights at Punchestown subsequently.
