Grangeclare Rosa can fulfill promise at Roscommon
The daughter of the useful Grangeclare Rose has shown a decent level of form in three runs this year, two of which were over hurdles.
Last time out, in a bumper at Cork, she tried to make all but was no match for Brother Gold in the closing stages. Back over hurdles this time, and in receipt of a number of allowances, the five-year-old should be involved from the outset, and can see off the challenge of bumper winner Hows Patsy, who is making his first start over hurdles. He is open to improvement, but is giving plenty of weight to the selection.
Phantom Prince can make a winning start over fences in the Magners Forbidden Flavours Beginners’ Chase. Jessica Harrington’s horse was a little below his best on his two most recent outings, over hurdles, but showed smart form when winning a handicap on his previous start. If he can translate that level of form to this sphere, he’ll take beating.
The Informer was an easy winner at Ballinrobe last week, and can follow up in the Willie Murphy Jewellers Downpatrick Handicap Hurdle.
Although the ground will be very different this time, he has shown he can cope with quicker ground, and the imposing sort looks the type to continue improving for some time.
The six-year-old looks a natural to jump a fence in time, but should also have plenty more to give in this sphere.
He can reverse previous form with the hat-trick-seeking Mr Mulliner. Boherna Lady could be an interesting rival, particularly if the market speaks in her favour.
Sunglider is overdue a victory, and the application of a visor for the first time may be enough to see him home in front in the opening maiden at Roscommon.
The Dermot Weld-trained two-year-old has competed in some hot maidens, and run well in defeat each time, most recently when third behind subsequent Group 2 winner Herald The Dawn.
Although not well drawn this time, his experience and pace and carry him into a prominent position early, and he can score at the expense of Newsman and Special Focus.
