Punters can get off to Stunning start
Dermot Weld’s colt made a promising start at the Curragh last month and is a confident choice to build on that, against some interesting opposition.
The son of Shamardal was beaten two lengths by Kevin Prendergast’s highly-regarded Kingsfort, in what looked a hot contest.
Aidan O’Brien saddled the third and sixth, Viscount Nelson and At First Sight respectively, and both horses have scored in the meantime.
Stunning View appeared to handle the soft ground really well and that is vital, because the surface now is going to be extremely testing.
Chances are O’Brien will saddle the principal danger in the shape of Banyan Tree. As a son of Danehill Dancer, he should handle the ground and may come on plenty for finishing second to stable companion, Await The Dawn, at Naas last week.
Jim Bolger’s Maverick Man, by El Prado, is entitled to respect, but may not be as dangerous as Kevin Prendergast’s first-timer, Zayaaan, who is by the Epsom Derby hero, Motivator.
Weld’s Gratified gets the nod in the ghotel.ie and hotelmeyrick.ie Novice Hurdle. He was third behind Honour The World and Wikaala at Bellewstown, beaten three parts of a length and five lengths, and obviously has a bit to find with that pair on only 4lbs better terms.
It will be a surprise if Honour The World handles the ground, however, and Wikaala doesn’t always find a huge amount off the bridle.
As well as that Gratified is now fitted with blinkers, which he wore last time when runner-up behind the progressive Taralga on the flat at the Curragh.
Feature event is the carlton.ie/galwaycity Handicap, formerly the GPT, in which wagers should be kept to the minimum!
The nod falls on bottom weight, Dreamy Gent, who was beaten two and a half lengths into second by Truckers Delight (gave 10lbs) at the Curragh. Dreamy Gent has shown a liking for this track in the past.
