Windfarm’s stamina and experience to prove decisive
The Adrian Maguire-trained ten-year-old, called a few names in his time, has been in good heart in recent outings, beating King Johns Castle at Clonmel back in February and, in his last outing over fences, slamming Callow Lake by twenty-two lengths at Killarney last month.
Last time, he finished third to Maal in a mile-and-a-half flat contest at Tramore, when a combination of the trip and tight track conspired against him.
Kerryhead Windfarm, blinkered today, is not an easy ride. But, riding the gelding for the first time, Barry Geraghty’s aggressive style should suit him well and, likely to force the pace, Jimmy Browne’s battle-hardened Bob Back should prove difficult to pass.
Obvious danger to the selection is Gordon Elliott’s Salford City, a much-travelled and highly-tried performer which has recorded comfortable wins at Cork and Roscommon in his first two excursions over fences.
Paul Carberry’s mount, runner-up to Jered in a Grade 1 novice hurdle at Punchestown in April, is undoubtedly a smart summer novice.
But all his best form is over two miles and a strongly-run journey over almost two and a half, with an emphasis on jumping up the back-straight, might find him out. Kerryhead Windfarm is preferred
Ferry Point, runner-up to Not Broke Yet at Punchestown last time, has obvious claims in the opening Syncreon Ireland Mares Maiden Hurdle while the consistent Plunge might have his turn in the three-mile Better Odds On Betfair Maiden Hurdle.
At Cork tomorrow, That’s Hot, whose 2007 campaign included a close fourth in the Stewards Cup at Goodwood, might record her first win of the season in the six-furlong Charleville Cheese Race.
Seventh to Age Of Chivalry in a recent Group 3 at Leopardstown, when the ground had eased significantly, That’s Hot might prove too strong for John Oxx’s Flash McGahon, without a win since August 2006, and Ballydoyle representative Great Rumpuscat.
If forgiven her disappointing third behind Adored and Tiffany Diamond at Naas last time, Profound Beauty might be the answer to the Group 3 Noblesse Stakes.
Dermot Weld’s filly, fifth in last year’s Darley Irish Oaks, gets the nod over last year’s winner of this event Nick’s Nikita and the David Wachman-trained Always Beautiful, winner of a ten-furlong maiden on this track last month.
Three Way Stretch, impressive winner of Leopardstown maiden on easier ground, looks best in the listed Kerry Spring Water Rochestown Stakes.
French-import, Napa Starr, short-headed at Listowel when the medium of a significant gamble, might recoup losses for Charles Byrnes in he Move Over Butter Handicap.
