Strongpoint can make mark over fences
Charlie Swan’s gelding was moderate over flights, enjoying a sole success in a modest handicap at Musselburgh last November.
He wasn’t seen again until reappearing at Kilbeggan 19 days ago, in a less than exacting start to his new career.
The selection was a strong order in the market, going off the 2-1 favourite. He produced a smashing round of jumping, almost, and was in complete control when paying the ultimate penalty for his only error two out.
Strongpoint is a typical Gigginstown House Stud horse, whose future was always going to be over fences, and, hopefully, can start proving it now.
Thomond O’Mara’s Eagle’s Pass should provide the answer to the Summer Sunday 18th July Hurdle.
Eagle’s Pass has, admittedly, become less than reliable, but the conditions of this contest are stacked in his favour and he would have a lot more to do in a handicap.
The seven-year-old disappointed behind Slieveardagh at Killarney last time, but a reproduction of the form which saw him finish a close third to Jigalo and Alpine Eagle at the Punchestown Festival would be easily good enough.
Michael Hourigan’s team are in reasonable shape right now and his Turf War looks best in the South Tipperary Tourism 24th June Beginners Chase.
It will be encouraging should the market speak in his favour, considering Turf War has yet to jump a fence in public and hasn't been seen since performing with credit when third to Fosters Cross and Loosen My Load on this track in October.
