Eagle can pass this test
Thomond O’Mara’s charge is a consistent sort and the booking of Ruby Walsh can be viewed as a major plus.
You could argue two miles is on the short side for the five-year-old, but I think we can safely assume he will be given a positive drive by his astute pilot. The selection took too long to hit top gear when second to Coolgreaney at Wexford last Friday night. He stayed on strongly at the end of that two and a quarter miles, but was still a length adrift of the winner, who was always racing near the front.
No less than 25 are set to face the starter in the Kelland Homes Handicap Hurdle, but a reasonably confident vote still falls on Tony Martin’s Corrick Bridge.
Formerly trained on the level by David Wachman, Corrick Bridge has had just four runs over flights, showing little in his first three.
Returning from a break at Clonmel last month, however, there was every indication he may well be a horse with a future.
Coming from off the pace, he finished with a real flourish to get within half a length of Joys Island.
The form was boosted when third placed Imperial Rose scored at Ballinrobe earlier this week and stepping up another two furlongs now looks just what’s required for Corrick Bridge.
Francis Flood’s Conor’s Secret looks the right one in the Treasury Holdings Trust Mares Bumper. She performed well enough when third to Native Royal and Cloth Fair in a valuable contest at the Punchestown Festival and this appears an easier assignment.
