Aitmatov may be answer to very tricky ‘Hatton’s Grace’
Aitmatov, currently in the form of his life, is the choice in the Ballymore Properties Hatton’s Grace Hurdle. He is a solid option, considering all ground seems to come the same to Noel Meade’s charge.
He enjoyed a bloodless success at Punchestown, main rival Sizing Europe fell two out when in front, but confirmed he was in good shape when following up at Down Royal.
The six-year-old beat Farmer Brown a cosy length and three quarters. That was a fine effort, because two miles on quick ground looked plenty sharp enough for him. There are numerous dangers, headed by Sweet Kiln, Macs Joy and Glencove Marina.
Kazal is thrown in at the deep end on his first pop over fences in the Drinmore Chase. A prolific winner over flights, this was always going to be his true calling.
Kazal is reported to have sparkled in some schooling sessions and the more testing the conditions the more confident one would be.
Whatuthink would hardly qualify as the most fashionable choice in the Bar-One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, but he might surprise some candidates with far bigger reputations.
His performance when landing a maiden at Cork was no more than satisfactory, but he is a horse with immense potential and, again, the softer the ground the better.
Dual bumper winner Chateau d’Eau, who buckled down impressively when scoring at Down Royal last time, gets the nod in the Joe Savage Maiden Hurdle.
At Fairyhouse today Catch Me is the nap choice in the Bee Bee Developments Hurdle.
One of the best novices in the country last season, he was upsides Glencove Marina when falling at the last at the Punchestown Festival in April. A relatively recent spin on the level will have done him no harm.
Tailor’s Hall gets the vote in the Brian King Engineering Beginners Chase. He was two lengths and a place behind Bridge Run when fourth to Dreux on his debut over fences ay Punchestown, but appears to have more scope for improvement than his rival.
Minella Theatre, who beat Fier Destrier and subsequent winner, Kennedy Hill, at Punchestown can make it two from two in the Bumper.
At Clonmel tomorrow Robert Tyner’s Callherwhatulike is the one to beat in the Equine Warehouse Beginners Chase.
A mare with a particularly good attitude, she made an excellent start over fences at Cork when splitting well-regarded pair, Le Toscan and Finger Onthe Pulse.
Wexford’s meeting today has been cancelled due to waterlogging.
The venue endured incessant rainfall all day yesterday to leave officials with no choice but to call off the six-race National Hunt card.
