Today's Tips: Taras gets the call in bumper at Tramore

Modest fare this afternoon at Tramore, but Taras Call can earn a deserved first success in the concluding ladies’ pro/am bumper. The six-year-old, trained by Mark Fahey, finished fourth behind Airlie Beach on debut, and then runner-up behind Moylisha Tim on his next start.

On his third and most recent start, at Downpatrick, he lost little in defeat trying to concede more than a stone to promising four-year-old Whizzey Rascal. Today’s race represents a more manageable assignment, with limited worthwhile form on offer, and it’ll be disappointing if the gelding does not make the breakthrough.

The danger may come from Catch The Magic, who finished a close third behind Absolute Angel at Sedgefield on her most recent start. She’s going to be hard to keep out of the frame, but will likely have to give best to Taras Call.

The opening race can go the way of Brog Deas Nua. The prospect of rain-softened ground tempers enthusiasm just a touch, but the four-year-old really caught the eye in defeat behind Eyes Of A Tiger just last week at Clonmel, and would be very hard to beat if the ground rode on the fast side.

The Pat Flynn-trained gelding has had three runs over hurdles, jumping noticeably well last time, and a race of this nature looks well within compass. Niall Kelly, who rode the selection last week, claims a valuable 7lbs, and his mount is selected to come home in front, with Vermout Fougeray feared most. The latter wasn’t without his supporters at Galway last time, and that effort, when second behind Whiskey No Ice, represented a significant step forward from previous efforts. As he was reeled in late, having looked a winner, this sharper track may suit, and he must be respected.

The remainder of the card looks very difficult, but Massinis Adventure makes some appeal in the Waterford & Tramore Racecourse Supporters’ Club Handicap Chase. The seven-year-old’s most recent form figures – PFP – don’t make great reading, but he was just beginning to creep into contention when falling in a similar race, last time at Ballinrobe. That was his first run since May and if the fall hasn’t left its mark, he should go well in what looks a winnable contest. It’s also positive that his trainer, Robert Tyner, was amongst the winners at Tipperary this week.