Farmer Brown can continue to make hay
After he had bolted in at Ballybrit, Pat Hughes indicated that a break might be on the cards for the progressive six-year-old. But Farmer Brown has obviously emerged from the rigours of that tough contest at the top of his game and now takes on some interesting rivals, in a decent contest.
In truth the Bob Back gelding was far too good for the opposition at Galway and his earlier close second on the flat to Westlake at Leopardstown was also an impressive effort.
Mark Prescott’s Artless is a fascinating challenger. She arrives on the back of victories at Musselburgh and Ayr, but faces a stiff task trying to concede plenty of weight to both Farmer Brown and Laetitia. Indeed, it is Laetitia who is rated the main danger to Hughes’ charge.
A proven stayer, she will be far better suited by two miles, after coming home nicely when a creditable third to The Ethiopian over 12 furlongs at Galway last week.
North Shore is a confident nap choice to win the T J Brunelle Memorial Handicap, another two miler. The last time he ran on the flat, at Ballinrobe at the end of May, he was also the main recommendation.
Willie Supple, however, rode a finish with a full circuit to cover and, in the circumstances, North Shore did well to take fifth behind Jawad.
He proved his current well-being at Galway a week ago, humping top weight to victory over flights and Pat Shanahan is now in the plate.
Robbie Osborne’s gelding is currently rated a paltry 42 on the level and, you suspect, is far better than that!
