Rely on Roberta to get off the mark
Her most recent performance at Gowran Park last month reads particularly well in the light of subsequent events.
That contest was won by Apt Approach, by 14 lengths, with Grancore Girl second, a neck in front of the selection.
Apt Approach ran a cracking race at Cheltenham last week, sixth to Cousin Vinny, while Grancore Girl went on to record smooth successes at Clonmel and at Limerick on Saturday.
Flirthing Around, also tied in with Grancore Girl, is fancied to land the Michael O’Murchadha Memorial Bumper.
She ran promisingly to fill the runner-up berth behind that mare at Clonmel earlier in the month, although ultimately outclassed and beaten a flattering three and a half lengths.
The Richard Browne and Sons Ltd Hurdle appears a match between Wins Now and Wheresben. Preference is for Wins Now, over this sharp two miles, although he’d want to perform better than when a remote fifth to Catch Me at Gowran Park.
At Down Royal today Noel Meade’s Offaly has surely found his level in the Hoegaarden Beginners Chase.
Beaten half a length by lucky winner Hairy Molly at Navan — Classic Vic was clear when falling at the last — he will relish stepping up to three miles and the moderate opposition.
Direct Exit, who went under by a neck to Swiftmarc at Gowran Park, has to get the vote in the Inbev Maiden Hurdle.
Swiftmarc has since been well beaten on two occasions, hardly encouraging, but this does look a woeful race.
