Teagan Angel set to build on debut promise
Trained by Monica Dowdall Blake, the four-year-old filly had her only competitive effort to date at the Curragh less than three weeks ago, and showed real promise in finishing fourth behind Ceol An Ghra.
A 50-1 chance on that occasion, she travelled strongly throughout but for most of the trip was behind a wall of horses. Without being asked too much when it was evident she would not get to her experienced rivals, she stayed on nicely into fourth place.
Dropping back in trip shouldn’t be a major issue for the daughter of Dark Angel, whose progeny seem to cope well with testing ground and, as a four-year-old, connections are sure to be keen to get a winning bracket as soon as possible. This looks a good opportunity to do so, and she can prove too smart for Keukenhof and fellow four-year-old Doc Sportello.
Call It Magic has to concede weight to all of his rivals in the three-mile maiden hurdle, but the Ross O’Sullivan-trained gelding looks plenty classy enough to do so.
The six-year-old has a tendency to race freely, but he was smart enough to win a point to point and a bumper, and has run well in all four outings over hurdles.
Despite the weight concession, this is his easiest assignment to date over obstacles and it’ll be disappointing if he is unable to make the most of it. He is preferred to Captain Bizarro, who also won a point to point, and stepped up on his only previous effort over hurdles when runner-up to Bay Of Freedom last time out. The return to a longer trip should prove a positive move, and he looks the one to chase the selection home.
The fourth race looks to revolve around the two Aidan O’Brien runners, and preference is for Kellstorm over Three Star General. The Galileo colt was well beaten on debut at Gowran in October, but returned with a much more promising effort, when third behind stable companion and now Epsom Derby favourite US Army Ranger.
While the step up to a mile and a half isn’t a certainty to suit, that effort stands out against today’s opposition and, if he gets home over the trip, he should prove too good for Three Star General.
The last-named was never competitive when last of four behind newcomer Topaz Clear in a maiden at Gowran less than a fortnight ago but, like so many from the yard, should prove a different proposition this time. Nevertheless, Kellstorm is readily preferred.
