Roscommon preview: Churchfield Sunset can follow up with more joy

Le Coq Hardi can get punters off to a flyer by taking the Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers Rated Novice Hurdle

Mon, 10 Jun, 2024 - 04:00

Tommy Lyons

Churchfield Sunset made a fine impression when making a winning debut and can follow up in the Racing Here Again On July 2 Bumper, the final race on Monday evening’s card in Roscommon.

Emmet Mullins’ filly was well backed to win that mares’ bumper last month in Cork and she travelled sweetly for much of the journey. She gave the outside to nobody but moved up easily to challenge early in the straight but was initially very green when asked to win her race.

To her credit, however, she found plenty to account for Sellerna Bay and left the impression there would be plenty more to come from her.

A half-sister to six individual winners, including multiple Grade One winner Ballyburn and Paddy Power Chase winner Noble Endeavor, she is a fine prospect and can take this at the expense of fellow debut winner Minella Hollow and interesting newcomer Dramatic License.

Le Coq Hardi can get punters off to a flyer by taking the Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers Rated Novice Hurdle. Placed in a point to point and a bumper, he finished a well-beaten fourth on his first outing over hurdles but that was a hot race, from which the runner-up, Caldwell Potter, subsequently won a Grade One.

After a break of almost six months, he contested a maiden hurdle in Down Royal and ultimately won quite well. Initially, he ran around when left in front by the departure of the strong-travelling Old Port at the second-last hurdle, but picked up really well in the closing stages and gave the impression he would really appreciate a longer trip. He steps up half a mile for this race, which should help bring about that improvement, and he can prove too strong for Going Live and Notkeepinyagoing.

The Castlerea Novice Chase looks quite competitive and Horantzau D’airy is likely to be sent off favourite in his bid to complete a hat-trick, but there was much to be taken from the chasing debut success of Magnor Glory and he can overturn the likely favourite.

The selection, who was of a similar standard Horantzau D’airy over hurdles, made his chasing debut in Ballinrobe and picked up really well to win going away. There should be plenty more to come from him, and he can make the most of the 4lbs he receives from Willie Mullins’ runner.

Tommy Lyons

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