O’Brien can land a double
The long-absent Place Vendome gets the nap in the mile and a half Group Discounts At Dundalk Maiden, the final contest on an eight-race programme.
The son of Giant’s Causeway ran only once as a juvenile and this is certainly a belated seasonal debut.
That first effort was eye-catching, however, as he chased home the useful Takar, with smart subsequent winners such as Regulation, Massiyn and Call Me Bubbles behind, at Leopardstown in November.
Of course Place Vendome’s fitness now has to be taken on trust, but if the market speaks in his favour then that will hardly be a problem.
Vinson Massif, another Giant’s Causeway, gets the nod in the five furlongs info@dundalkstadium.com Maiden. He began over seven furlongs on heavy ground at the Curragh last month, finishing sixth of eight behind stable companion, The United States.
Again it’s a contest that has been working out really well and this surface and the minimum trip may reveal Vinson Massif in a different light.
At Downpatrick today Zadarska, one of the more moderate horses in Willie Mullins’ yard, may be good enough to take the Down District Council Ladies’ Day Maiden Hurdle.
He was beaten six lengths into second by Johannisberger at Roscommon and travelling another two and a half furlongs now should work in his favour.
Bobbina, a creditable third first time up behind two smart sorts in Top Madam and Letherbelucky at Down Doyal, and then second in a bumper on this track, is the one to beat in the Follow Downpatrick On Facebook Mares’ Maiden Hurdle.
