Trade Marked poised to defy top weight

Leopardstown hosts this evening’s flat racing fare, while the national hunt action takes place in Tramore, where Trade Marked can carry top weight to victory in the Tramore Golf Club Handicap Hurdle.

Austin Leahy’s gelding has caught the eye on more than one occasion in his limited opportunities over hurdles, and has shown more than enough to suggest he is capable of defying a mark of 95. Fast conditions should bring out the best in the five-year-old, and the intermediate trip – two miles and five furlongs – could prove to be his optimum. If he can settle early, he should prove too smart for his rivals, headed by De Danu’s Bach and Cadawill.

Tajseer can get off the mark in the bumper. Representing Gordon Elliott, who is enjoying a terrific run, the five-year-old was well beaten on his hurdling debut, last time out at this track. However, he has plenty of experience in bumpers, and his form includes a fine third behind Boris De Blae at Downpatrick, and a fourth-placed finish behind Whizzey Rascal at the same track.