Mullins’ can pick bookies pockets in maiden hurdle
Successful in a fast ground bumper at Downpatrick in July, the selection made his reappearance at Punchestown last month. This time the surface was officially heavy, but Pickapocketortwo seemed quite at home on it, giving every indication to boot that his turn over jumps might not be long delayed.
Uneasy enough in the market, the seven-year-old jumped well and travelled sweetly for most of the journey.
He tired a little from the final flight, however, eventually finishing a close fourth behind shock winner, Noel Browne.
There’s no doubt that was a modest contest, but there was still plenty to like about the way Pickapocketortwo shaped and substantial improvement can be anticipated.
Dual bumper winner, one of them came on this track, Jim Will Fix It is the choice in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Maiden Hurdle. He is taking a big drop in class, having contested a Grade 2 at Naas last time. Jim Will Fix It was far from disgraced, finishing third behind Dare To Doubt and Prima Vista. A repeat performance should see him having the legs on the likes of Riltree and Subaroo Blue.
Denis Cullen’s Whosaidso, beaten half a length by Tiernan’s Terror (rec. 6lbs) at Gowran Park, has obvious prospects in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase.
The Bumper is best left to Willie Mullins’ newcomer Zadaraska, who is by the former Irish Derby winner, Zagreb.
