Grafton Street can fly in for O’Brien
Twice-raced Grafton Street represents Ballydoyle in the Fly To Shannon From Glasgow Prestwick Maiden and gets the nap, in what is a hot contest of its type.
The son of Danehill has only run twice and it seems significant that connections are persisting with him. He performed with promise first time up when fifth to Galatee at Naas and did even better on his next outing at Leopardstown.
Grafton Street was beaten two lengths into second by Medico and that’s a race which has worked out quite well. Medico went on to score twice more subsequently and two other winners emerged as well.
Harrington, third to Farinelli and Bawaader in a Listed event at Cork in October, rates the biggest worry.
Honoured Guest is fancied to get the Ballydoyle wagon rolling in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Race. Runner-up behind stable companion Archipenko at Leopardstown, he was then touched off in the final stride when going under by a short head to Dermot Weld’s Offbeat Fashion, back at Leopardstown.
Marcus Brutus, who finished sixth in that particular Leopardstown heat, is another O’Brien possibility in the Fly To Shannon From Liverpool Maiden.
Limerick tomorrow houses a smashing National Hunt programme. The nap vote falls on Slash And Burn in the opening Kate Buckingham Maiden Hurdle.
He started a warm favourite at Clonmel nine days ago, but unseated David Casey at the start. Previously, the selection ran solidly when second to Significant at Cork.
Holly Tree and Druids Castle are the form horses in the www.limerickraces.ie Novice Hurdle, but both have had long campaigns and it may pay to rely on the fresher Larkwing.
A useful stayer on the level in England, Eric McNamara’s charge has taken really well to jumping. Third to Academy Reward and Cheltenham hero Ebaziyan at Cork, Larkwing made no mistake with an easy win in a moderate enough contest on this track next time.
Ruby Walsh partners Larkwing and he and McNamara can combine to land the Hugh McMahon Memorial Novice ‘Chase with Ponmeoath.
His close second to Snowy Morning at Gowran Park three runs back looks a smart effort now, in the light of Snowy Morning’s creditable effort against Denman at Cheltenham.
Ponmeoath certainly hasn’t gone back since, scoring at Limerick and finishing fourth to Cloudy Lane in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham.
Laetitia is the best horse in the race, winning easily at the first time of asking over fences here, but her lack of experience is a worry.
Walsh rates a safe wager to guide Candy Girl to victory in the Meteor Mobile (Mares) Hurdle.
Willie Mullins’ inmate is down in class, having run Chomba Womba to a length at Limerick on her latest appearance.
