Blackberry can enjoy belated success
Because Dermot Weld’s colt, winner of a maiden at Gowran Park as a juvenile, has failed to do the business this campaign he runs here unpenalised.
As a consequence, the son of Desert Prince meets one of his main rivals, Ardistan, on 11lbs more favourable terms compared to a handicap.
Blackberry Boy ran easily his best race of the year in a premier handicap at Naas ten days ago, finishing a creditable fourth to Menwaal. A place and three parts of a length in front of the selection was Orbit O’Gold and he gave the form a major boost when taking second behind Sandymount Earl in the Irish Cesarewitch at the Curragh on Sunday.
It seems reasonably safe to assume that Ardistan won’t trouble Blackberry Boy, so the Aidan O’Brien-trained newcomer, Mississippian, is put forward as the principal worry.
The market will be the best guide to the prospects of the son of Montjeu, although it is disconcerting the three-year-old is only now making his debut at the tail-end of the season.
The 20-runner Liz Gaffney Navan Lady Golf Captain handicap over five furlongs is some puzzle, but expect a bold show from Collingwood. Ted Walsh’s charge got no sort of run for most of the straight when beaten two short heads into third behind Point Calimere, who reopposes on 5lbs worse terms, and Diamonds For Luck at Dundalk on Friday night.
Jim Bolger’s Veidhleadoir gets the nod in the Equi-Ads Ireland Equestrian Magazine Maiden. She ran on quite nicely at the end of seven furlongs when third to Yali at the Curragh on Sunday and the fact the daughter of Malibu Moon is turned out again so quickly is encouraging.
