Manageable looking assignment for Spiritual Man
Trainer David Wachman holds the key to a number of the races, and a chance can be taken his Spiritual Man can build on the promise of his most recent effort by taking the Shelmalier Median Auction Race.
On that most recent outing, in a decent maiden at Roscommon, he was sent to the front early, and still held the advantage as they turned for home.
It was only in the final furlong and a half that he was run out of it, and was probably a shade unlucky to be robbed of third place.
Today’s race looks a more manageable assignment and, with a furlong less to travel, he looks capable of making the running, and fending off all comers.
Wachman also looks to hold the trump card in the opening fillies’ maiden, with Georgia On My Mind.
The twice-raced three-year-old was no match for Port Deux on her most recent start, but stayed on quite nicely to secure second spot.
That was over a mile, and the extra furlong and a half today should play to her strengths.
She’s likely to be the shortest-priced runner of the afternoon, and it’ll be disappointing if she doesn’t oblige.
Deor was an expensive failure for punters in the Ladies’ Derby at the Curragh last weekend, but the John Kiely-trained runner can gain compensation in the Monart Destination Spa Ladies’ Day Handicap.
The four-year-old didn’t enjoy the clearest of runs in that race, but wasn’t beaten far in fourth place behind Tooreen Legend. Jockey Joseph O’Brien takes over from his sister, Anna, and if ridden on or close to the pace today, he should be hard to beat.
The final race is a handicap over a miles and seven furlongs and, with stamina doubts about many of the runners, victory can go to proven stayer Magnetic Force, from the stable of Robbie Hennessy.
The eight-year-old was a winner over course and distance in August of last year, and showed he remains in good form with a fourth-place finish in a handicap hurdle at Sligo less than a fortnight ago.
In a race that may not take a lot of winning, he will be hard to beat.
His most interesting rival is the once very smart hurdler Raise The Beat. Although now a ten-year-old and returning to the track after more than two years on the sidelines, it’s likely significant connections have persevered with him.
It’ll be no surprise if he’s ready to run for his life this afternoon, and market confidence should be noted.
In the Shelbourne Handicap, over a mile and three furlongs, Three Colours Red looks the one to beat.
James Barrett’s horse was having his first run since November when finishing second behind Lagostovegas last week at Killarney, and if he can take a small step forward, he’ll surely go very close.
Nueva may be the one to give him most to think about. She was well beaten behind stable companion Xebec on heavy ground at Sligo last time, but starts life in handicaps off a lowly 60, a mark she will likely be able to exploit.
