Keep faith with Mikael D’Haguenet in Powers Gold Cup
He is one of the most frustrating horses in training and some clumsy jumping has prevented him from fulfilling his undoubted potential over fences.
But he is still only a nine-year-old, his engine remains in full working order and, amazingly, is actually a good jumper, prone to the odd bout of madness.
The selection threw away yet another winning opportunity at Naas last month. He was cantering all over his rivals when stumbling at the back of the third last, slithered to a standstill and then ran on powerfully late to claim third behind Sweeney Tunes and Charlie’s Vic.
Dedigout and Mount Benbulben are two high-class and dangerous opponents, but Mikael D’Haguenet to finally deliver at the top level over fences is the prediction.
Willie Mullins trains Mikael D’Haguenet and his Annie Power is impossible to oppose in the Grade 1 Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Mares’ Novice Hurdle Championship Final.
She displayed real quality when slamming Defy Logic and Don Cossack at Naas and this look an easier assignment, against her own sex.
Dessie Hughes’ Bright New Dawn is fancied to shrug off top weight in the Grade 2 Coolmore NH Sires Fame And Glory And Sans Frontieres Novice Hurdle.
He looked unsuited by the track when beating Mala Beach, now 4lbs better in, by three lengths at Thurles and Fairyhouse should prove much more his cup of tea.
Tommy Stack’s Alive Alive Oh gets the nap in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Fillies Maiden at Cork this afternoon.
The daughter of Duke Of Marmalade enjoyed a good introduction at the Curragh in October, third behind Aidan O’Brien’s Magician and the subsequent winner, Jim Bolger’s Bunairgead.
Stack might also supply the answer to the featured Listed Cork Stakes with Cape Of Approval, stepping into this company for the first time, after winning three times in-a-row last season.
Aidan O’Brien’s Fortify is the choice in the Best Dressed Lady And Gent Maiden. He was a costly failure when no match for Jim Bolger’s Beyond Thankful at Roscommon in October, but an extra furlong and a half now should help.
Jason Maguire makes the trip across to Cork tomorrow to partner Roi Du Mee in the Grade 3 Imperial Call Chase and Gordon Elliott’s charge is the one to beat.
He’s had a fine campaign and there was much to admire in the way he beat Prince De Beauchene and Seabass at Fairyhouse on his latest appearance.
Courage, who was no match for the smart Djakadam at Limerick, faces nothing of that calibre in the Father’s Day Racing June 16th Maiden Hurdle and has to get the nod.
