Progressive Mile poised to follow-up
John Kiely’s five-year-old won a modest bumper at Dundalk, before making little show behind Hidden Universe in the Champion Bumper at the Punchestown Festival.
He looked a horse with a future, however, in a two mile flat race at Clonmel on his latest appearance and this is another decent opportunity.
Partnered by Pat Smullen at Clonmel – he again takes the ride – Oneeightofamile forged ahead under two furlongs down to score going away by five and a half lengths.
Sutherland Star, outclased by the very smart Natural High at Killarney and Cloone Rocket, a more than usfeul sort but with a long absence to overcome, are the dangers.
Johnny Murtagh can enjoy a short-priced double aboard Eskimo and Meow. Eskimo, who ran green when runner-up behind stable companion Jackaroo at Gowran Park, will know a lot more in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Maiden.
Murtagh rides Meow for David Wachman, in preference to Aidan O’Brien’s Holy Roman Emperor newcomer Queen Of Spain, in the ITBA Southern Region Supporting Breeders’ Maiden and that has to be regarded as particularly significant.
Meow, beaten a short head by the tough Moment Of Weakness on her debut at Dundalk, is difficult to oppose.
John Oxx and Fran Berry can team up for a double with Bass Rock and Alaia. Bass Rock, a close third to Gibraltar Blue and Dynasty at Fairyhouse, but then a trifle disappointing when beaten a short head by Bygone Age at the Curragh, can land the ITBA Working For Irish Breeders’ Maiden.
Alaia, a strong market order to make a winning start at Gowran Park, but only third behind Barbadine and Crazy Days, should land the ITBA Southern Region Members’ Having Fun At The Races Maiden. Crazy Days boosted the form when bolting in at Navan last Sunday.
Ghetto Gospel, who also scored at that Navan meeting, is fancied to complete a hat-trick in the ITBA Supporting Regional Racetracks Handicap. He carries a mandatory 5lbs penalty, but goes up 12lbs in the future.
