Today's Tips: Identity Thief should be suited by shorter trip at Punchestown
The lightly raced five-year-old was impressive on debut, in a bumper, beating the useful Tully East, and followed up with a narrow win over Snow Falcon on his hurdling debut, last December.
He was pitched in at the deep end next time, when pulled up behind Nichols Canyon, but bounced back to form when runner-up to Sempre Medici in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse. On his final start, at this track, he travelled like the winner turning into the straight but finished well beaten in third place behind Walk To Freedom.
On the most recent outing, in April, he looked in complete control turning in, but may have been outstayed over the two-and-a-half-mile trip. Based on that effort, he should be suited to the drop back to two miles, and could also be well ahead of his current mark.
While his stable’s runners often need their first run of the season, he is potentially very smart and can concede 2lbs to Modem, who has been in terrific form on the flat and over hurdles these past few months. The issue for both is the lack of pace in the race, which could result in a tactical affair.
The mares’ bumper looks a decent contest, in which Blazes Peg gets the nod despite failing to justify heavy support prior to her debut recently. The well-bred sort was in trouble a long way out in a race won by the experienced Ten Times Better, but was noted staying on quite nicely in the closing stages. That experience should stand to her now, and a much-improved display is anticipated. Another worth serious consideration is four-year-old Earth Sister, who ran a super race in defeat behind Long Goodbye on debut. A half-sister to the useful Crystal Earth, she looks a nice prospect.
Although beaten last time and raised 5lbs for his efforts, Steel Wave looks sure to go very close in the two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle. Garrett Power’s five-year-old was most impressive on his previous effort, at Galway, and there’s every reason to believe he can continue to improve. The gelding can be a little keen and has to be dropped right out and brought through late to challenge. In such cases luck is often required, and he may have been a shade unfortunate last time. But, the likely fast pace around this track should suit, and Paul Townend can deliver him with a perfectly timed run.
