Montaigne can get off mark
She cut little ice on her latest appearance, finishing fifth of six behind Terror in a Listed race at Newmarket last month. The selection is much better than that, however, as evidenced by a rating of 94. Prior to Newmarket, for instance, Avenue Montaigne contested another Listed event, taking a creditable fourth behind Ger Lyons’ Ainippe at the Curragh.
The furthest the daughter of Showcasing has run over so far is six furlongs, but her pedigree suggests stepping up in trip will be a plus and this seven furlongs should prove ideal.
Austin Leahy’s Trade Marked has a solid chance in the Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Handicap. The Azamour gelding was beaten two lengths into third behind Nedera on this track last time and now reopposes that winner on 12lbs better terms. There is more encouragement to be gained by the fact that the second then, Almosthaditall, has won in the meantime.
Dark Alliance looks best in the Crowne Plaza Hotel Handicap.
Sixth in a handicap at Leopardstown in August he represents a yard, Michael Halford’s, that is currently going particularly well.
