Astronomically can make it fourth time lucky
DENIED: Astronomically, right, was just touched off by Blanc De Blanc on his most recent visit to Dundalk but can get off the mark at the Louth venue on Friday night. Picture: Healy Racing
Astronomically should take plenty of beating in the second division of the seven-furlong Irish Stallion Farms EBD Maiden in Dundalk tonight.
The No Nay Never filly, trained by Donnacha O’Brien, has been narrowly beaten in two of her three starts on the polytrack, boasts an official rating of 78, and should be set for a change of luck.
The selection shaped with promise on her debut here in late October, filling fourth spot behind Anushka.
She made a quick reappearance in another course and distance fillies’ maiden and stayed on in good style when beaten a neck by Prevalence, with subsequent winner Liberation Date in third.
Last time out, two weeks ago, Astronomically was backed into 11-8 favouritism and, denied a clear run approaching the furlong-pole, kept going well to be denied by potentially smart newcomer Blanc De Blanc, beaten a neck and clear of the remainder.
O’Brien’s decision to try the filly in blinkers tonight can be interpreted in two ways — they should help her concentration or he questions her resolve.
With a rating of 78 and rock-solid form, Astronomically looks the one to beat as she faces colts for the first time.
Her biggest threats might be Joseph O’Brien’s Eternal Night, far from disgraced on debut when sixth behind Camino Vino on his debut, the Gavin Cromwell-trained Full Moon Tonight, and the 80-rated Flanker Jet, representing in-form Robson de Aguiar.
The Joseph O’Brien-trained Another Day Done bolted-up last time, when tried in a tongue-tie and visor and might defy a 12lb hike in the ratings in the BAR 1 Betting Dowload Our New App 3-Y-0 Handicap.
The Sottsass colt had shown relatively little in three maiden runs and in his first handicap. But, racing off 63 and brought to the stands rail by Declan McDonogh, he forged clear to slam Grey Sands by five and a half lengths in a 0-70 handicap 10 days ago.
The performance, admittedly in a weak-looking contest, gave the impression that there might be more to come from the Carriganog colt. And he has a good opportunity to follow-up here.
But he faces a tougher task, against top-weight Miami Destination, winner of a Curragh maiden last spring and considered good enough to compete in group company, and Whatchadoin, winner of a six-furlong maiden before finishing third behind Gazoo and subsequent winner Sovereign Cry.
3.55 Hero Of The Hour
4.30 Jawhary
5.00 Beat The Devil
5.30 Another Day Done (NB)
6.00 Heart Of Eternity
6.30 Neon Eyes
7.00 Astronomically (Nap)
7.30 Palmezzano
3.55 Ballysax Lil’ Mick
4.30 Comfort Line
5.00 Profit Surge
5.30 Whatchadoin
6.00 Mveve
6.30 Lady In Gold
7.00 Flanker Jet
7.30 Baila Conmigo
