Jimmy Ber can go one better

THE loss of the three scheduled chases has left this afternoon’s Thurles card looking more than a little threadbare and what’s left could hardly be described as inspiring.

Should the meeting pass an 8am inspection then Dessie Hughes’ Jimmy Ber can prove the bet of the day in the first division of the Ballynonty Maiden Hurdle.

A moderate enough performer in bumpers, he looked an improved horse when making his debut over jumps at Leopardstown at Christmas.

The Supreme Leader gelding produced easily his best effort so far when a length and three parts runner-up behind Tranquil Sea.

It’s not, admittedly, a contest which is working out particularly well, but 24 did face the starter and this is easier.

Jagoes Mills, a promising sort in the early part of 2006, could emerge as a live danger. He was returning from a long break when fourth to Copper Bleu in a Cork bumper earlier this month and is entitled to come on plenty for that much-needed outing.

The second section of the Ballynonty Maiden Hurdle may be best left to Liam Burke’s ex-winning pointer, Surenaga.

He ran reasonably well at Tramore on New Year’s Day, second to Mister Watzisname, and gets the nod ahead of King Troy, who may have hit the front a trifle early when beaten by Clarified at Punchestown.

Kashnito d’Hommee, bang in contention when falling at the last in the race won by Shuil Oisin at Clonmel in December, should go well in the Littleton Handicap Hurdle.

The first section of the Bumper may be best left to Willie Mullins’ newcomer, Definite Edge, while Dessie Hughes has prospects of completing a double with Ten Fires in the other division.

Ten Fires was second behind Drive On Regardless at Fairyhouse and that winner went to carry his penalty in good style at Gowran Park a week ago.