Babes can strike at third attempt
The Choisir colt made a promising start at the Curragh and was then quietly fancied at Tipperary seven days ago.
It took the selection a long time to hit top gear, however, and eventual winner, Beidh Tine Anseo, had long flown by the time Benji’s Babes fully realised what was required.
To his credit he did finish with a flourish and, with that much-needed experience under his belt, and stepping up a little in trip, gets the nap.
Karkari, who was second to shock winner, Frozen Irish, at Gowran Park, is the obvious worry.
Jimmy Mangan’s Alpine Glade can provide the solution to the Listowel Writers’ Mares Hurdle.
She was in action as recently as last Saturday, on the flat at Tramore. The seven-year-old was beaten into second by Fingers, but enjoyed little luck in running.
Alpine Glade’s best performance over flights came when runner-up behind Shirley Casper in a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse and that gives her a clear edge in this company!
The opening Croom House Stud EBF Maiden is best left to Paul Deegan’s Bobbyscot. Clearly no star, his third to Alfred Nobel at Leopardstown last week, nevertheless, entitles him to preference.
Followmyfootsteps, with a mark of 106 and fifth to Cockney Rebel in an Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh, and 102-rated Alexander Castle are two fascinating challengers for the concluding Kingdom Race.
But, you’d imagine, neither would be guaranteed to stay 14 furlongs and preference is for Magen’s Star.
He has a lot on at the weights, 23lbs wrong with Followmyfootsteps, but ran away with a moderate mile and a half handicap at the Curragh by 12 lengths last time.
