Middle Persia poised to open her account
Trained by Dermot Weld for Lady O’Reilly, Middle Persia made a pleasing debut when third to Bibury in a seven-furlong maiden at Limerick last month, her only start.
The grey daughter of Dalakhani stayed on late that day, giving the impression that she would appreciate a significant step-up in trip. And, for that reason, there’s every reason to believe that today’s mile and a quarter will suit her well.
Middle Persia appeared to handle soft ground well at Limerick. So today’s testing conditions shouldn’t trouble her unduly. She’s napped to beat Genesi, which showed promise in her only start last season, and Roseska, a promising fifth to Aristocrat on her recent debut at Wexford.
James Burns has his string in good forma and Western Winner, like Middle Persia owned by Lady O’Reilly, has solid claims, despite a low draw, in the Knockmealdown Handicap.
This filly filled the runner-up berth three times last season, behind Lethal Weapon, Jettymarc and The Tartan Army respectively, before disappointing at Limerick in her final three-year-old start.
She has solid form on an easy surface and, with Chris Hayes in the saddle, has each-way claims as she bids to break her duck.
In the jumps action, the Charlie Swan-trained Glenstal Abbey is likely to prove difficult to beat in the Summer BBQ Evening June 12th Maiden Hurdle.
Formerly trained by Aidan O’Brien, for whom he raced only once, when a close fifth to the smart Mores Wells in a Leopardstown maiden, the selection is returning after a six-months break.
But he showed in each of his three outings over hurdles that he should be capable of landing a maiden of this standard.
Having contested maidens won by Paco Jack and Donna’s Palm, Glensatl Abbey was a beaten favourite when last seen, proving unable to cope with Dan Dare at Fairyhouse last November, when the principals pulled fifteen lengths clear of the third.
The market should provide guidance in terms of Glenstal Abbey’s fitness. And, if the market vibes are positive, he should prove capable of conceding 11lb. to David Kiely’s consistent but disappointing filly Seenya.
