Steel Park can overcome a lengthy absence
Sean Byrne’s gelding hasn’t been seen since finishing sixth behind Western Leader in a far better contest than this at Leopardstown at Christmas.
Prior to that he was third to Gallant Light at Gowran Park, but it was his first run of the season which sways one towards believing him capable of landing this, following a break.
At Downpatrick in November Steel Park produced his best performance to date, having a first outing for over four months.
He stripped fresh and well to be beaten a head by Coole River and that is easily the best form facing into this test. Coole River went on to land two Grade 2’s through the winter, at Leopardstown and Navan.
This is a hot little contest, with the dangers headed by Ballyadam Brook and Dilshaan’s Prize.
Ballyadam Brook might have beaten gambled-on Cyborg at Ballinrobe, but for blundering at the last, and will be nicely served by an extra two furlongs.
The ex-French horse Dilshaan’s Prize won his only race in this country for Noel Meade when taking a Curragh handicap.
But that was 409 days ago and he has clearly had his problems, so the market will surely tell us plenty as to what is expected of him.
Once-raced Shadow Eile looks the right choice in the countysligoraces.com Mares Bumper, having made a solid start when second behind My Cool Lady at Punchestown.
The Sligo Racecourse Maiden Hurdle won’t take much winning and may be best left to Fearnwood Girl.
She was beaten by a useful sort in Final Approach at Downpatrick and faces nothing of that calibre now.
