Volume to appreciate drop in class
The daughter of Machiavellian, who showed distinct promise in two outings as a juvenile, made a good start at Limerick twelve days ago.
Taken to the front well over a furlong down by Pat Smullen, the selection was eventually collared and beaten a length by Aidan O'Brien's Honoured Guest.
That was a winners' race, open to colts as well, and Crazy Volume is now down in class, in a contest confined to her own sex.
Kevin Prendergast's Ela Enta, fourth to Uimhir A Haon at Leopardstown in October, and the John Oxx-trained newcomer, Joshua's Princess, appear the main worries.
Michael O'Brien's Infinite Charm has easily the highest rating, of those who have a mark, in the Thomastown Castle Race.
Formerly in the care of Andre Fabre in France, he hasn't run since scoring by a length and a half from Bribon, successsful next time, over a mile at Chantilly in September of 2005.
The travels of the Peintre Celebre gelding in the market will be interesting, although riding arrangements are hardly encouraging.
In any case preference is for Edward O'Grady's dual bumper winner Clopf, who hasn't been since finishing a disappointing six lengths runner-up to Hide The Evidence in the Grade 1 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse in early December.
Presumably, Clopf is getting organised for the Punchestown Festival, now less than two weeks away, so should be fit and ready to do himself justice.
Ger Lyons' Eskadron gets the nod in the Majestic Missile Maiden. His final outing last season saw him finish a moderate seven lengths second to District Six at Sligo.
The son of Mark Of Esteem seemed all at sea in the testing conditions then and is surely better judged on his previous length second behind the more than useful Warriors Key on a fast surface at the Curragh.
