On a Plate for Out Now
He was the choice from this quarter in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse in April, but, unfortunately, found one too good for him in the shape of shock winner Lion Na Bearnai.
Nevertheless, Edward O’Grady’s charge produced the performance of his life and, indeed, looked all over a winner early in the straight.
He jumped the final fence in front, but then his stamina began to ebb away and the three miles and five was just too much for him.
The two miles and six here, with a stiff uphill finish, should be ideal and Out Now, raised 7lbs for his Fairyhouse heroics, looks well capable of another major effort.
Blackstairmountain is passed over on the basis he is far from certain to get the trip on the rain-softened surface.
Wise Old Owl hasn’t been seen since going down to Blazing Tempe in the race last year and now runs off a mark 10lbs higher.
Whodouthink, who loves to bowl along near the front and warmed up for this with a spin over hurdles at Cork, is one for the short list.
The nap vote goes to Henry de Bromhead’s Too Scoops in the Tote Pick Six Maiden Hurdle.
He made an excellent start over jumps at Gowran Park in June when beaten a neck into second by Maxim Gorky.
The form looks solid enough, with Maxim Gorky filling the runner-up spot behind Kalellshan in a handicap here on Monday night.
Dermot Weld has prospects of a double with Three Kingdoms and Tandem. Three Kingdoms was a promising fourth on his debut behind Regulation at the Curragh and, with Jane Mangan booked, looks best in the maiden for amateur riders.
Pat Smullen can guide Tandem, beaten half a length by Loreto at Naas, to victory in the Tote Return All Profits To Irish Racing Maiden.
