Hill should relish stepping up in trip
The five-year-old looked a very modest performer in the winter, but is much improved since meeting faster ground and has also been suited by stepping up in trip.
He first hinted there might be a race in him when beaten into second by Stormyisland Ahead over an extended two miles at Clonmel last month.
Later in May, Garlic Hill returned to Clonmel, this time over two and a half miles, and made no mistake.
On this occasion McNamara allowed him stride on from the start and Garlic Hill beat John The Soldier by an easy length and three parts. The form is undoubtedly ordinary, but chances are the selection will improve again for moving up to three miles for the first time.
Aughwilliam Lady, who has 3lbs in hand of Garlic Hill at the weights, is the danger, having herself shown improved form when scoring in emphatic fashion at Clonmel on her latest appearance.
Dessie Hughes’ Gentle Noel has to be the fancy in the opening www.kilbegganraces.com Maiden Hurdle.
Like Garlic Hill, she also had little to recommend her in the winter, but seemed to relish the better surface when three and a half lengths second to lend A Hand Son at Listowel two weeks ago.
Charles Byrnes’ Campbonnais, despite a major hike in the weights, is the one to beat in the Mullingar Handicap Hurdle.
He was backed as if defeat was out of the question at Listowel and didn’t disappoint, cruising home four and a half lengths clear.
Campbonnais went up 14lbs for his audacity, but it may take a bit more than that to stop him right now!
