El Cerro can jump to it in maiden hurdle
The selection is trained by Joe Crowley, who saddled Paco Jack to land the only other juvenile hurdle run so far this campaign, by 17 lengths, at Roscommon last week.
Paco Jack certainly knew his job and the chances are El Cerro will as well. Ability to produce a competent round of jumping is a massive plus in these early season tests.
The selection was mildly disappointing against older horses on the flat last time when only seventh behind Allesandro at Limerick. He is better judged, however, on his previous effort at Killarney. In an 11 furlongs handicap, confined to his own age group, El Cerro battled on in fine style to beat gambled-on favourite Sonnium by a short head.
Spanish Parade, like El Cerro making his debut over jumps, was a creditable second behind Prospestorous at Galway, and is put forward as the main danger.
Osirixamix gets a hopeful nod to provide the answer to the Anglo Irish Bank Maiden. Mickey Flynn’s gelding is on the upgrade and could prove too strong for the three-year-old’s. The son of Desert Prince ran his best race to date at Wexford, beaten three lengths by Imperial Hills, and dropping down a furlong in trip can work in his favour.
Willie Mullins’ Dani California should go close in the Waterford Hurlers’ Handicap, having taken fourth to Lady Causeway at Sligo a week ago.
She travelled really well for a long way, until finding the dreadful ground all too much in the closing stages.
