Ballyagran can gallop rivals into submission
The six-year-old proved hugely disappointing over flights as last season progressed, but made a solid start over fences at Listowel recently and can build on that now.
His technique was impressive for a first-timer and Ballyagran battled in fine style in the closing stages to resist Chicago Vic by half a length.
Some Timbering, who scored in a canter at Listowel, and Dbest, unlucky at Galway last time, are worthy opponents, but the selection can come through this test with flying colours.
Another Listowel success-story, Dermot Weld’s Bobs Pride, is the one to beat in the Boyle Novice Hurdle.
The four-year-old had plenty of questions to answer at the Kerry track, but showed he may have a real future at this game, quickening in style from the final flight to beat Salt Lake by four lengths.
Noel Meade’s once-raced Hotel Hilamar, fourth to Nesserian at the Punchestown Festival, can provide the solution to the Knockcroghery Bumper.
Total Victory was value for a lot more than the six lengths he won by at Ballinrobe last week and may shrug off a 12lbs rise in the weights in the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap.
Liscanna, fourth to Alexander Tango at the Curragh in July, gets the nod in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Fillies Maiden.
This looks a drop in class for David Wachman’s charge and she should handle the expected testing surface, as a daughter of Sadler’s Wells.
