Tasitiocht should continue Mullins’ rich vein of form
The Oscar mare was the stable’s selected when beaten by stable-companion Glens Melody in a valuable mares event at the Punchestown Festival, a rock-solid debut effort. Glens Melody went on to triumph again at Sligo and Tipperary, confirming herself a well above average bumper performer. And Tasitiocht fulfilled the promise shown at Punchestown when coasting to a six-and-a-half lengths win over Dale Street in a modest Kilbeggan event early last month.
Willie Mullins has found an ideal opportunity for Tasitiocht in tonight’s contest. Patrick Mullins’ mount, sure to be sent off a hot favourite, should not be opposed.
After a couple of creditable efforts in flat maidens, the Mick Winters-trained Silver Chief should have excellent prospects on her return to hurdling in the Mallow Print Handicap Hurdle. The grey mare has been lightly-raced over obstacles, her best effort coming at Thurles in March of last year when chasing home Popcorn.
But her recent flat runs, a fifth to Demurely at Limerick and, particularly, her third to Warwick Avenue at the Curragh, suggest that the six-year-old has improved in recent months. If that’s the case, she should prove tough to beat here off a mark of 96.
Despite a disappointing run on the flat at Leopardstown last time, 141-rated Dare To Doubt has conditions in her favour in the opening Dermot Casey Tree Care Hurdle while Pat Flynn’s Galianna looks a rock-solid each-way prospect in the Corkracecourse.ie Mares Handicap Hurdle.
In Downpatrick, Tom Taaffe might double-up with Defence Of Duress in the opening Downpatrick Family Day Fun Maiden Hurdle and Heaney in the Family First Maiden Hurdle.
Defence Of Duress looked set to open his account when falling at the last in the race won by Sonapour at Wexford last time and might be capable of overcoming course bumper winner Gold Ability. Heaney, third to subsequent winner Whispering Hills at Tipperary last time, might justify his 112 rating in the stayers’ event.
