Automated can make break through in maiden in Dundalk
He has had just three runs since joining trainer Ger Lyons, looking as though the trip was beyond him on the first of them, and finishing third in each of the next two.
Last time out he was beaten just half a length in to third place behind Political Policy, a run for which he was raised to a mark of 75. Of those with an official rating in tonight’s race, he sets the standard and looks almost certain to run to his mark once more.
Sure, he is exposed and is what he is, but that may well be enough in this company.
From a good draw he should be prominent early, and can fend off the likely challenge of the once-raced Alamgiyr.
The latter, trained by Michael Halford, showed promise on his debut but hasn’t been seen since that run back in April.
The winner, In My Pocket, is a useful sort, but those that finished in the frame have since looked somewhat limited.
Clearly there has been an issue along the way with Alamgiyr, and quite what form he’ll return in is hard to assess.
The booking of champion jockey Pat Smullen is a positive, and the best indicator of expectation will be the market.
Race three is a big-field fillies’ maiden, in which the Henry De Bromhead-trained Double Espresso can build on the distinct promise of her debut.
Out of a mare, Bon Expresso, who was a listed winner on the level, the youngster showed quite a bit of debut, despite obvious signs of greenness.
She was slow to get going, made rapid progress early to move into midfield, and yet stayed on quite nicely to finish fourth behind Agent Of Chaos.
Third-placed Ebadan, who was just half a length in front of Double Espresso, gave the form a little boost when running the promising Red Rannagh to a short head next time out.
While the selection’s trainer is not known for winning juvenile maidens on the flat, this filly looks up to the task, and gets the nod despite a tough draw on the wide outside.
High Honcho also showed promise on debut, behind Peticoatgovernment, and could be the one to give the selection most to think about, while Aidan O’Brien’s newcomers, Queen Of India and War Goddess, must be noted in the market.
