Griffin poised for glory
The son of Encosta De Lago made a promising start on this track last month and can be fancied to build on that.
It certainly took a while for the colt to realise what was required and he was being pushed along well before the straight by Wayne Lordan. But gradually he warmed to his task, staying on steadily through the final furlong and a half or so to finish third to Eskimo and Noble Call.
Paul Deegan’s Free Art rates the obvious danger. He too began well when beaten half a length and a short head into third behind Aidan O’Brien's Snow Mountain and Wachman’s Sydney Harbour at Limerick.
Johnny Murtagh now takes over on Griffin and can also guide O’Brien’s once-raced Big Occasion to success in the Tipperary's Hidden Heritage Maiden.
Big Occasion is clearly ordinary, as evidenced by his neck second to Pirans Rock at Listowel back in September.
The selection appeared woefully one-paced that day and it is no surprise is now stepped up half a mile in trip.
John Oxx’s Zanoubiya, who hinted at better to come when third to Unity and Alburj at Fairyhouse, is the main worry.
Oxx’s Julie's Jet, yet another with just a single outing under her belt, is the choice in the Irish Stallion Farms' EBF Fillies Race.
She seemed to have a reasonable future when beating subsequent winner Knights Templar at Tipperary in October, but her travels in the market will have to be closely monitored now.
Schelm, who has developed into a useful chaser, rated 137 when scoring at Punchestown last time, could provide the answer to the Come Walking In Tipperary Handicap, off a mark of just 63.
