Ballinderry Moth can add to growing reputation in Killarney
Sam Curling’s filly showed signs of greenness when runner-up in a junior bumper at Ffos Las in November, but the benefit of the experience was evident when she galloped clear to win over today’s course and distance in May.
That victory came on soft ground but the daughter of four-time Ascot Gold Cup winner Yeats should have little trouble should she have to face quicker conditions here, and can confirm her status as a fine prospect by accounting for Limerick scorer Rosshaven Lady and Palm Sur.
Race two is the O’Keeffe’s Marquee Hire Rathmore Handicap, and Thomond O’Mara’s Hatton Cross looks sure to give a good account of himself.
The six-year-old has run two good races over a shorter trip already this season, and those outings are likely to have brought him to a peak.
Today’s longer trip should prompt some improvement, and his chance is boosted by the fact he boasts decent course form, having finished fourth when ridden from off the back in a similar race last summer.
Drawn much better this time, he has an opportunity to tuck in behind the pace and, with any luck in running, shouldn’t be far away.
Botanical Lady is another to consider. She is likely to have Galway in mind, having won there last year, but she comes here in good form and any rain today would boost her claims.
In the Irish Examiner Handicap Hurdle the booking of Ruby Walsh for Eric McNamara’s Joy Neville really catches the eye.
When the two team up, they’re rarely far away and this lightly raced mare has the profile of a potential improver.
She showed promise on her handicap debut back in March, and this longer trip should prompt further progress. She is just preferred to Millstream Ned.
The Lister Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cairn Rouge Stakes is the feature on the card, and Easter can give Aidan O’Brien back-to-back victories in the race, following Palace’s success 12 months ago.
The selection looked potentially smart when leading all the way to beat Stellar Glow in a Leopardstown maiden last October, and has run with real credit in two outings this season.
Ridden patiently over 10 furlongs last time, she could be a different proposition if asked to make the pace over this shorter trip. Stall eight is not ideal for that, but if Seamie Heffernan can get her to the front early, she may be very difficult to peg back.
The consistent Military Angel will be hard to keep out of the frame.
