Thyne Again looks too strong
Liam Burke’s chaser competed in top novice company last season and, although reportedly short of peak fitness, should outclass his seven rivals.
This seven-year-old enjoyed his finest hour when scoring an impressive 15 lengths win in the Baileys Arkle Perpetual Cup at Leopardstown.
But his overall form, including fourths to Tidal Bay in the ‘Arkle’ at Cheltenham and to Big Zeb in the Swordlestown Cup at Punchestown, looks rock-solid in the context of today's race.
With regular partner Davy Russell in the saddle, Thyne Again should prove too strong for more experienced rivals Wishwillow Lord and Emotional Article.
The Jessica Harrington-trained Gallant Light has finished runner-up in two of his four bumper starts and must be fancied to go one better in this afternoon’s finale, the Thoroughbred County (Pro-Am) Flat Race.
Second at the Punchestown Festival in April, the Golan gelding again came off second best against Shinrock Paddy at Gowran Park recently and, expected to improve from that run, should prove tough to beat this time.
The Woodlands Park 100 Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle will be fascinating contest, with notable chasers Southern Vicv, Schindlers Hunt and Chelsea Harbour, runner-up in a similar handicap hurdle here recently, facing a field of established hurdlers.
Made In Taipan, runner-up to Raise Your Heart at Punchestown on his seasonal debut and more effective going left-handed, must be respected but faces a tough task under top-weigh of 11-10.
But I’ll oppose him with stable-companion Chelsea Harbour, which ran a cracker against Sky Hall last time, and must have solid each-way prospects off 10-6 less Emmet Mullins’ 5lb. claim.
Tomorrow’s mixed card at Galway hinges on a 7am inspection. And if it goes ahead, the Michael Hourigan-trained Dancing Tornado, third to Kirbybroguelantern at Naas recently, should go close in the www.galwaynews.ie Handicap Hurdle.
Holly Tree, second to Finger On the Pulse at Limerick two weeks ago, will have a crucial fitness edge over chief rival Abbeybraney in the Grade 3 Hartmann Jewellers Ballybrit Novice Chase and might score for Dusty Sheehy and David Casey.
Abbeybraney, trained by John Berry and third to J'y Vole in the Grade 1 ‘Moriarty’ at Leopardstown last season, is reappearing after a lengthy break and might have to settle for the runner-up berth.
