Bay Of Freedom can do business in finale
The selection was very smart sort in bumpers, in which his form included two victories and a far-from-disgraced ninth behind Moon Racer in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham.
He made his hurdling debut at Down Royal, in May, but was a beaten favourite behind New World. Off the track from then until the recent Galway Festival, he faced a tough task when last of 10 behind Sandymount Duke. That defeat is easily forgiven, but he will need to show improvement in the jumping department.
With Davy Russell an eye-catching booking, and plenty of schooling likely to have taken place between then and now, the six-year-old is likely to take a significant step forward now, and his class can shine through. Ultimate Horseman has been somewhat frustrating for punters, but has strong place claims, and he is just preferred to Little Mitch as the chief danger to the selection.
The opening race can go the way of the Ger Lyons-trained Roibeard. The Big Bad Bob colt was well-baked on debut, at Down Royal, and duly delivered in some style. He must carry a penalty today, but is potentially above average, and should go very close in his bid to follow up.
The danger may come from Last Waltz, who caught the eye in defeat on debut at Cork back in May. She’s been given plenty of time since then, and market interest in her would likely be very significant.
Race five is the juvenile maiden hurdle, and it has a wide-open look to it. Those with jumping form have a little to prove, and thus looking to the newcomers, most interesting of which is the Brendan Duke-trained Vocal Heir, could be the more prudent move.
Vocal Heir was modest on the Flat, earning a rate of 62, but his half-brother Punch Bag is a very promising sort in this sphere. If this fellow has the same aptitude for the game, he’ll go well in what looks a winnable race.
Trainer Gordon Elliott runs four, and Officer Sydney, with Paul Carberry set to ride, could be the pick of them. He’s having his first run for this stable, having been with Brian Meehan in Britain, and deserves more than a cautionary look in the market.
