Ninetieth Minute can call time on rivals
The chase course was unraceable yesterday afternoon. If that is still the case this morning then both chases will be abandoned, leaving a five-race card, assuming the rest of the track gets the green light. The first contest is scheduled for 12.55, but in the event of only five races, proceedings will get underway at 2.00. Tom Taaffe’s Ninetieth Minute is the nap choice in the McCarthy Group Insurances’ Hurdle.
Lightly-raced, he has a lot of potential and should relish both the conditions and stepping up to two and a quarter miles for the first time.
Following a promising effort behind Majestic Concorde at Punchestown, the selection was less than impressive at Gowran Park subsequently.
Starting an 8-11 shot, he scrambled to a hard-earned neck victory over Sky Hall. The extra two furlongs now, however, should prove a big help and Sky Hall did go in next time.
The consistent Dual Gales is the one to beat in the Blackwater Maiden Hurdle. He was a creditable third behind Tranquil Sea at Leopardstown and this represents a drop in class.
Willie Mullins trains Dual Gales and his J’y Vole can make a successful debut over fences in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Mares Beginners ‘Chase.
A smart sort hurdler, who relishes heavy ground, she enjoyed her best day when taking a Gade 3 at Auteuil back in May.
At Naas tomorrow, Mouse Morris’ Venalmar can land the nap in the Woodlands Park 100 Slaney Novice Hurdle.
Admittedly, this is a hot contest, but Morris’ six-year-old is rapidly on the upgrade and, at worst, will give us a big run.
There was a lot to admire about the manner in which he dismissed Oscar Lyons at Punchestown, beating him four and a half lengths, and Oscar Lyons went on to score at Leopardstown.
Liam Burke’s Thyne Again gets the nod in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Novice Chase. He receives a useful 6lbs from previous winners, Freds Benefit and Dark Artist, and that can prove decisive.
Thyne Again was returning from a long absence when a very unlucky loser first time over fences at Punchestown. That was won by Notre Pere, but Burke’s charge seemed to be full of running when brought down two out.
Dermot Weld’s ex-Australian horse, Bellamy Cay, looks best in the opening Annual Membership At Naas Maiden Hurdle.
He won’t have to step up much on his initial venture over jumps, fourth to Tranquil Sea at Leopardstown, to take a hand now.
