Luminous Light can make make it third time lucky
BACK FOR MORE: Having won at Clonmel last month, Bossofthebus can strike again for Terence O’Brien. Picture: Healy Racing
Clonmel runs an eight-race programme on Thursday afternoon and Luminous Light gets the nap to get off the mark over fences at the third time of asking by taking the SIS Supporting Irish Racing Novice Handicap Chase.
Anthony McCann’s six-year-old made just a reasonable start over fences when fifth behind Marv Michael in a beginners’ chase at Kilbeggan. However, that was in early September, and he was off for more than four months prior to his most recent start, in a beginners’ chase at Fairyhouse, and he ran much better in finishing fourth behind the promising Springt De La Mare.
On that occasion, he looked to be going nowhere as they left the backstraight, but he built up a head of steam after jumping the second-last, and despite quite a bad mistake at the last, he flew home to finish fourth, beaten just eight lengths.
It might suggest he needs further, but this is a lesser contest, and he should have no trouble being closer to the pace from the outset. That being the case, he ought to be hard to beat given his initial mark of 113 reads well relative to his hurdling mark, and there is plenty of potential for improvement in this sphere.
Mount Ferns is certainly a danger. Even though he was a faller on his most recent outing over hurdles, he has plenty of scope and is likely to prove much better over fences than he was over timber.
Bossofthebus can follow up his recent course and distance win by taking the second division of the Kilmolash Qualified Riders’ Handicap Hurdle.
On what was just his second run for Terence O’Brien, the six-year-old set out in front and while his jumping wasn’t without room for improvement, he looked as though he was in complete command throughout.
Being put up 8lbs for that victory doesn’t look too harsh, and the lightly-raced gelding, who is open to plenty of improvement, can go in again.
The feature is the Grade Three Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle, and it has attracted a paltry entry of just three, with one of those having stones to find on official ratings. Effectively, it is a match between Ballybow and Ballygunner Castle, and preference is for the former, who gives the impression he will really appreciate the significant step up to three miles.
12:35 Karamoja
1:10 Yoradreamer
1:45 Ballybow
2:20 Snow Punt
2:55 Ar Nos Na Gaoithe
3:30 Bossofthebus (nb)
4:05 Luminous Light (nap)
4:35 Banprionsa
12:35 Reina Del Mar
1:10 Addragoole
1:45 Ballygunner Castle
2:20 Robindevidastar
2:55 Aclass
3:30 Mount Shenshan
4:05 Mount Ferns
4:35 Union Station
