Abarta can finally get off the mark
The five-year-old did little of note in bumpers but he’s shown improved form since being sent over hurdles and his consistency should be rewarded here.
On his most recent outing he finished a highly creditable third behind Carlingford Lough, who gave the form some substance when winning a handicap hurdle at the Galway Festival.
Abarta jumped well that day and wasn’t given a hard time when the front pair asserted after the final flight. He finished well clear of the remainder and, on that form, is entitled to put up a bold show here.
Alhellal is an obvious danger. He should improve for a satisfactory hurdling debut behind Khayar but with he must shoulder an 8lb-penalty for winning a bumper and, with Abarta’s jockey claiming 7lbs, the concession of more than a stone may prove too much.
Dermot Weld’s Hisaabaat should also shed his maiden status when he contests the McHale Engineering Maiden.
Although he wasn’t entirely suited to this track when third behind Black Belt over course and distance last time out, he made rapid inroads in the closing stages and would have been second in another stride.
With a small field and the likelihood that he can settle behind the pace before mounting his challenge, he should prove hard to beat. There’s a danger that Jouster could be allowed a soft lead and thus he rates the alternative.
A couple of very interesting sorts from the bigger stables sneak in near the bottom of the handicap in the opening race.
As bumper winners, Noel Meade’s Stigh Collain and Dermot Weld’s Masdar look potentially very well treated off marks of 47, and slight preference goes to the first-named, who showed more sparkle on his most recent outing.
He was a beaten favourite on his handicap debut at Down Royal last time out but the extra half-mile of today’s race should promote improvement and he can score for Noel Meade.
Meade has another live chance with the returning Bob Younger, who is well drawn and could be nicely treated in the Burleigh Accountants Handicap. Any money for him would be highly significant.
