Smurfer has ‘plenty going for him’
The six-year-old, owned by Barry Connell, just missed the cut for the Galway Plate only to run a tremendous race in the consolation Galway Blazers Handicap Chase when beaten a head by Aranhill Chief.
The trainer thinks Usuel Smurfer can put up a bold show in this valuable handicap chase over three miles.
“He’s in great form and we’re hoping for a big run out of him,” said Hanlon.
“I think the ground and the trip will suit.
“He missed out in the Galway Plate by one or two and ran a cracker in the other race, so we’re hoping for a good one tomorrow.”
Tom Mullins has two solid chances in top-weight Alderwood and recent Killarney novice hurdle winner Klepht.
“Obviously Alderwood got brought down in Galway, so we don’t know what would have happened,” said the Goresbridge handler.
“He’s been in good form since and has done everything right, so we’re happy enough with him.
“Klepht won the last day in Killarney. That was his prep run and we’re lucky enough to have Paul Townend riding him, which is good.
“I think we’ve got two good chances.”
Alderwood is one of five runners wearing the colours of J P McManus.
The leading owner also has the Lucinda Russell-trained Tap Night, Philip Dempsey’s Jackonslady, Enda Bolger’s Quantitativeeasing and Wise Old Owl from John Kiely’s stable plus Tom Horn, one the three reserves.
Jacksonslady was well beaten in this race 12 months ago when the ground was soft, but her trainer Philip Dempsey is expected a much better showing this time round with the going a lot faster.
The nine-year-old mare turns up on the back of victory in a two-and-three-quarter-mile chase at the Galway Festival following a four-month break.
“She’s in good form, she won at Galway and we’re hoping for the best,” said the County Kildare handler.
“The weather’s fine so the ground should stay good and we’ve got Barry Geraghty, so we’re hopeful.
“She didn’t perform in the race last year. We put that down to the ground. She likes the good ground. The weather’s lovely here, we’ve had a great spell.”
Pass The Hat is stepping up to three miles for only the second time as his trainer Arthur Moore looks to the future for the seven-year-old, who sprang a 20-1 surprise over an extended two and a half miles at Killarney last month.
“He’s gone up a few pounds and we’re going up in trip,” said Moore.
“This race will tell us where we will go in the future with this horse. I think he’ll get the three miles, but you don’t know until you run.
“The ground will be fine for him, he doesn’t mind it fast.”
In contrast, Dessie Hughes would not like to see the ground dry out much more for his runner Golden Wonder and is hoping the course is being well watered.
The eight-year-old was a respectable sixth in the Galway Plate and was second over hurdles over an extended three miles at Kilbeggan recently.
“He had a nice run in a hurdle race in Kilbeggan a week or two ago. I’m hoping they are putting enough water on,” said the County Kildare handler.
“It’s very warm so they need to be watering up to morning time really because it will dry out in the afternoon very quickly.
“He should run a big race. He’s very consistent.”
