Abide with Coral in fascinating tussle
They represent two of the biggest yards in the country and, once more, if the big-hitters are divided as to the likely outcome then there should be some real action in the ring.
Dermot Weld's Blue Coral made a cracking start when third behind Teofilo and Red Rock Canyon at the Curragh earlier in the month and that contest has already started to work out well.
Teofilo stepped up in class in fine style in a Listed raace at Leopardstown a week ago to score decisively by a length and three parts.
Aidan O'Brien's Abide With Me also made his debut at the Curragh, in a Group Three, and the son of Danehill was well touted on that occasion. He finished seventh of seven, however, behind Regional Counsel and, on the face of it, that was disappointing.
But it was a hot contest, fourth placed Gaudeamus has won in the meantime, and Abide With Me was beaten less than four lengths. Like most juveniles from this quarter he is sure to come on a bundle for the outing.
The featured Freshways Handicap Hurdle may be best left to Francis Flood's P'tit Fute. He was returning from a long break here on Monday night and could hardly have been more impressive when taking the GPT Handicap by 12 lengths.
Pat Flynn has his charges in serious shape and the progressive Always The Groom can do the business for the Waterford handler in the Cheestrings Handicap. He won in a canter over 12 furlongs at Ballinrobe and then found a mile all too short when runner-up to Ciara Eile at Naas. Always The Groom now steps up to two miles and that may be just what the doctor ordered!
Dermot Weld's Bluegrass Hill, light in the market when third to Johnstown Lad at Naas, could be the answer to the Irish Stallion Farms' EBF Premier Nursery.
At Cork tomorrow the mildly frustrating Ken Condon-trained Khatiman is entrusted with the nap in the Ballyclough Bumper. Beaten by Medical Debenture at Tipperary, he then failed by a neck to reel in Alabama Banjo at Wexford eight days ago.
Aidan O'Brien's once-raced Chief Crazy Horse rates a safe wager in the six furlongs Mitchelstown Maiden. The son of Dansili attracted plenty of market support first time up at Naas and performed with promise when third to Moone Cross and Rol'over Beethoven.
