Galway Tips: Long Dog should take world of beating in day two opener
That victory came on good ground but, based on his sole outing on the Flat, in which he ran away with a maiden on soft ground, also at Sligo, he should have no trouble with today’s conditions.
Beaten on his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse last season, he made light of landing the odds earlier this month, and that outing is likely to have brought him on quite significantly.
His jumping wasn’t perfect in the early stages then, but he was most impressive over the last few obstacles, and this better race may help him in that department.
With plenty of scope for improvement, it’ll be surprising if he doesn’t follow up.
The danger is likely to come from Solatentif, who won his maiden at Gowran last time, and is also open to improvement.
Guitar Pete is narrowly preferred to Hash Brown in the Latin Quarter Beginners’ Chase.
Sandra Hughes’ horse was a classy hurdler, winning twice in top company as a juvenile and, while he wasn’t at his very best when last seen, back in October, he is still just a five-year-old and it’d be premature to suggest he’s on a downward spiral.
He was declared for a Kilbeggan race, won by Carriganog, recently but withdrawn due to the ground. Today’s conditions and shorter trip are likely to prove ideal and, if ready after his absence, he’ll make them all go.
The obvious danger is Hash Brown, who caught the eye in defeat behind the classy Sizing Platinum last time.
The only question mark with him is the ground, which may be more testing than ideal.
Winter Lion could be a value option in the finale. Now with Matthew Smith, the five-year-old was a winner at this meeting in 2014, when trained by Denis Hogan, and has had just two runs for new connections.
He ran with promise on both occasions, and the softer ground here holds no concerns. He struck form at this time last year, following up his win here with a smooth display at Killarney, and should be primed to put up a bold show once more.
The feature is the very difficult Topaz Mile, and Vastonea has claims to a third success in the race. Winner in 2012 and last year, and third behind Brendan Bracken in 2013, he had his final prep for this when sixth behind Laviniad at Gowran Park.
Off a slow break then he struggled to get involved there, but that shouldn’t be an issue this time. He’s only a pound higher than for his previous victories, and Gary Halpin’s 5lb claims means he carries a very light weight.
It’s a classy handicap, with the likes of former Epsom Derby seventh Chopin in the field, but the selection’s fondness for the course is a real positive and he gets the vote.
