Side with Scootch
Eddie Lynam’s daughter of Celtic Swing made a positive start at the Curragh a month ago and any improvement on that initial effort has to see her very much on the premises now.
She finished three lengths and a length and a half third behind gambled-on Queen Of France and Rejuvenation, after enjoying far from a clear run.
The Southampton Goodwill Chase looks easily the most interesting contest on a moderate programme, bringing together some useful sorts.
The race was won a year ago by Davenport Democrat and he tries again, not having jumped a fence in public in the meantime.
He’s been in good form on the flat of late, however, and the faster the surface the better his prospects.
Knight Legend is an obvious worry, despite performing below-par when only eighth behind Sir Frederick in the Galway Plate.
He has always promised to be very decent over fences, but has been held back by indifferent technique.
The other to consider is Conna Castle, who also disappointed in the Plate and is becoming increasingly difficult to get a handle on.
Mojito Royal, beaten in a driving finish by Princely Hero at Galway, can take the Dillon Plant Hire Maiden.
Salishan, well drawn in three and narrowly beaten by Newparks Doughter at Roscommon, gets the vote in the Kirbys’ Brogue Inn/Kirbys’ Lanterns Handicap.
