Townend can pounce late on long-absent Farringdon
The seven-year-old is best when held up for a late burst and trainer Prunella Dobbs, who knows the time of day, has booked the ideal man for such tactics in Paul Townend.
The fact the selection hasn’t run for so long is not a major concern, when you take into consideration that he won first time up last season.
Farringdon produced a smooth display to score by four lengths at Fairyhouse in December, his first outing since the Cheltenham Festival the previous March. He is a smart handicapper, with a hint of class, and is fancied to beat the race-fit Beau Michael, who is also 4lbs well in at the weights.
Charlie Swan runs two in the Jennings’ Meats Maiden Hurdle, Jewel In The Sun and Second Glance. Stable jockey, David Casey, partners Jewel In The Sun and that might sway one towards him, but preference is for Second Glance.
The fact Swan has booked Barry Geraghty for the ride would indicate she is certainly expected to do a bit better than just make up the numbers. The selection has plenty of experience under her belt and a recent spin on the flat at the Galway Festival should have her spot-on for this test.
Jessica Harrington’s At Present can go close in the Ballinrobe Musical Society All Ireland Winners Handicap.
The three-year-old returns to her own class, having been far from disgraced when fifth in the maiden by Dance On By at Galway.
