Hasanka primed for a big run
The daughter of Kalanisi is effective on soft ground and should at least go close, on the basis of her latest outing at Cork 15 days ago.
Positively handled by Michael Kinane, Hasanka looked the most likely winner for much of the long straight. In the end, however, she was collared and beaten two lengths by the progressive three-year-old, Tommy Stack’s Unsung Heroine.
Red Moloney has the edge on the selection on overall form, but has become just a trifle disappointing and Hasanka is readily preferred.
The Group 2 Galileo EBF Futurity Stakes has a fascinating appearance, Aidan O’Brien setting a typical puzzle with no less than five of the 11 possibilities.
The nod falls on his Westphalia, the mount of Seamus Heffernan. Not to be trusted, prior to his latest appearance at Tipperary, he looked something of a reformed character then.
Stepped up to seven furlongs plus and meeting testing ground, Westphalia cruised to a three lengths defeat of stable companion, Sawtooth Mountain, in what appeared a decent sort of contest
Tralee today got the green light yesterday evening and, with a bit of luck, it will be onwards and upward for the track now!
There isn’t any great cause for optimism, though, with the card looking particularly tricky. One who should oblige is Willie Mullins’ Persian City, beaten two short heads at Galway by Noble Commander and Eirinn’s Rock, in the Cadu Properties Bumper.
At Cork tomorrow, Ted and Ruby Walsh can combine to take the featured Kevin McManus Bookmaker Hurdle with Heavenly Blues.
A proven mud-lark, his prospects will be greatly increased should the forecast rain arrive. The six-year-old warmed up for this with a reasonable effort behind Glitter Baby on the level at Galway.
Larkwing, fresh from a fine return in a valuable race at Tipperary, is the main worry, but has to concede Heavenly Blues 10lbs.
Kevin Prendergast’s Nafaath is the choice in the Coolmore One Cool Cat Maiden, following a promising debut when two lengths second to Aidan O’Brien’s Drumbeat at Gowran Park.
Austin Leahy’s Prince Igor, with the obligatory three runs under his belt, could crop up at a half-decent price in the Fermoy Handicap.
Although well beaten into third in the maiden won by Irish Heartbeat on this track last month, Prince Igor gave the impression of better to come.
He was noted doing all his best work at the end of a mile and stepping up another two furlongs is a big plus. You suspect, any further softening of the surface would be in his favour!
