Make it Moloney with testing ground to suit
Conditions are set to be particularly testing at the western venue and that is the key to Kevin Prendergast’s colt.
He is simply far better when getting his toe in substantially and, though having plenty to do off 10-0, can prove up to the task.
The four-year-old has been in good form all season and again performed solidly on his latest appearance in a Group 3 at the Curragh. On a surface faster than ideal, Red Moloney finished a creditable fourth behind Septimus. This represents a drop in class and he’s the one to beat.
Aidan O’Brien and Johnny Murtagh can continue on their merry winning way with the well-drawn Drumbeat in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Maiden.
It is going to be tough for these juveniles, but as a son of Montjeu the selection should be capable of going through the ground.
He certainly made a good start at the Curragh ten days ago when third behind Tomas An Tsioda, demoted to second folllowing an inquiry, and stable companion, Rip Van Winkle.
Ruby Walsh is a significant booking for Lucky Wish in the Ivan Connaughton Auctioneer Maiden Hurdle and Eoin Griffin’s charge has to be fancied to make a winning debut over jumps.
Successful in a bumper at Navan in November, he ran two fine races subsequently, third to Corskeagh Royal, also at Navan, and fourth behind Zaarito at Naas.
The Abbeyfield Hotel Novice Hurdle won’t take much winning and is best left to Cecil Ross’ Our Eric.
Admittedly, he had luck on his side when winning at Ballinrobe, The Boxer Coffey fell when clear at the last, but that still seems to give Our Eric the edge in this class.
