By Killian
4:45 Nursery Handicap 1m 35 yds
The general rule of thumb is to back the top weight in a nursery. However I am going to side with Bodhicitta for Michael O’Callaghan. This horse was an eye catcher behind Mohawk at Cork. She ran a great race at Galway despite being unsuited by the undulations of the track. This filly by Showcasing has plenty of pace and a return to a flat track should see an improved performance. Bodhicitta wears a first time tongue tie, but her draw in 7 is a slight worry. In my opinion she is better than her mark of 74. Urban Light is the main danger and should be involved in the finish with the talented 5 pound claimer Denis Lenihan on board.
5:20 Rated Race 1m 35yds
This a quite a tricky contest. Chorcor, the favourite, is unexposed and potentially improving. The Choisir gelding beat a next time out winner at Gowran last time out, but will need to improve again to win here from a wide draw. Tony The Gent is my tentative selection. Ger Lyons’ horse is consistent and a return to form would be good enough to take this. Koybig has good course form but the ground might be gone against him.
5:55 Fillies Maiden 1m 3f
She Got Fast will take all the beating in this. Her debut behind the classy Falcon Eight at the Curragh looks like strong form. Champion jockey Colin Keane is on board and I would be disappointed to see her lose. Cascabel finished ahead of her at Galway, but I expect a reverse in from. Cascabel has a better draw but I will still side with She Got Fast. Samasthiti will appreciate the return to maiden after being outclassed in listed class.
6:30 Plaza Hotel Handicap 1m 6f
I fancy National Wealth in this handicap. Some solid efforts in maidens have earned National Wealth a mark of 81 for his first handicap. The longer trip is what the horse needs as he looks a stayer. At bigger odds Touch Of Gold may go close. Touch Of Gold was an unlucky looser at Killarney in July over a mile and 3 furlongs. It would be no surprise if she won.
7:00 Grade B Handicap Hurdle 2m 1f
Nessun Dorma is the market leader for obvious reasons: Ruby Walsh traveling for one ride for Willie Mullins, a last time out winner at Galway and course from. However I like Play The Game for Tom Gibney. Personally I feel he was better than the 0.5l winning margin last time at the track. On the basis of his flat mark of 100 this horse still could be well treated at 128. At 10/1 Play The Game is worth a shot.
• I have no opinion on the last two races.
REIN IT IN 