Mile set for quick double
Tony Martin's five-year-old went off 7-4 favourite to win a handicap at Killarney on Tuesday night and could hardly have been more impressive.
Ridden towards the back by Ruby Walsh, he gradually worked into the contest and it was a virtual procession from the second last, as he cruised home four lengths clear of Dun Drinan.
Martin, hardly surprisingly, has wasted no time turning out his charge again. He carries a mandatory 6lbs penalty, but is set to go up a whopping 16lbs in the future.
The mildly frustrating Taipan's Way, who has been knocking on the door for a little while, is fancied to get off the mark in the Bumper.
He was a costly failure on this track last month, failing to cope with Zaarito and going under by a length.
Zaarito, a newcomer trained by Colm Murphy, may well be a smart sort and it was encouraging that the third was a further ten lengths away.
Paramount, not to be fully trusted and who doesn't find a lot off the bridle, may finally enjoy a turn in the opening Maiden Hurdle.
His two lengths second to Salt Lake at Bellewstown is, arguably, the best piece of form in a moderate contest and the fact he will handle the likely testing conditions is a big plus.
Lace Your Boots, grabbed late and beaten three parts of a length by Cellar Door at Cork a week ago, should go close again in the Tom McCormack Memorial Cup Maiden Hurdle.
