Ballyhaunis the percentage bet in Plate
Willie Mullins’ Ballyhaunis is put forward as the most likely winner and this lightly-raced sort is a hopeful nap choice.
He made his debut at the Curragh on Irish Derby weekend, when half a length second behind Superius in a 24-runner maiden. The Daylami colt then returned to headquarters just over two weeks later and made no mistake, cruising to a three lengths success.
Ballyhaunis subsequently whipped round at the start and was slowly away when last of eight behind Motafaany at Sligo, before getting back on track at the Curragh on his latest appearance.
In the Listed Ballycullen Stakes, he performed with credit to fill third spot behind impressive winner, Hasanka.
If the handicapper is right then Teacht An Earraig is the one they all have to beat. She has 6lbs in hand of Consulate and Bahrain Storm, 15lbs on Ballyhaunis and even more with both Dirar and Mourad. But the three-year-old was a big disappointment when eighth of 10 in the Group 3 won by Ice Queen at Cork in the middle of June and it is an obvious worry that she hasn’t been seen for 80 days.
James Halpin’s Noble Commander, winner of a bumper at the Galway Festival, might provide the solution to the Ulster Bank Business EBF Banking Maiden Hurdle. He made a reasonable start over jumps when fifth to Noble Crusader at Downpatrick last week and can only come on for the experience.
Michael Halford could have the answer to the Premier Sports Management Bumper with Clayton Chief. The son of Montjeu seems to be on the upgrade and should run a big race, on the evidence of his close third to Battle In Hand and Abroad at Galway.
