Race 1: Kilmurrays Hardware 5yo Mares Maiden
HOWYA HUN ran one of her best races when pitched in against previous winners at Lingstown recently, and she ran a fine race to finish a close third. Back among fellow maidens, she could be the one to watch in this.
The Sam Curling-trained Forthegreatergood has been forced to settle for second on her two outings this year. However she was only narrowly denied on both occasions, and is sure to be bang there once again. Racks Cross is the other of interest, as having been sent off as the favourite for her debut in Punchestown, she had no luck in running and will be of interest here.
Race 2: Midland Veterinary, Tullamore Winner Of One
The Richard Black-trained CASEY JEM was left clear at the final fence in Tallow last month, which allowed him to win by a distance. He put up a big performance on that occasion, and is the obvious selection for this as a result.
Like A Demon could be turned out quickly having run a big race at Down Royal last weekend and that effort leaves him as the main danger. Vinnies Nephue won well to beat an experienced sort at Belclare recently, whilst Dontgetfooledagain battled gamely to get off the mark at Kirkistown and has plenty of experience to his name.
Race 3: ITBA 7yo Mares Maiden
TRICKEY TRIX finished in front of Tyrella winner Cream Sparkles when second at Armagh last month and may be the one to beat in this.
Valcourt was unlucky at Lismore recently when departing at the last, whilst Honest To Goodness ran her usual good race in the adjacent at Kildorrery on her penultimate start and may prove a more competitive force in this. Of the others, track recruit Supperefficient was placed at Sligo over hurdles in the summer and could have her first appearance between the flags in this.
Race 4: Dunnes Stores Ladies Open
FENNOS STORM would not have been out of place in last weeks Cheltenham Foxhunters, and having retained his Tetretema Cup title already this month, he is the obvious one to beat in this. The reigning champion pointer Sydney Paget is better than he showed at Navan and deserves a second chance, whilst It Came To Pass won well at Lismore and is improving all the time following his return from an absence.
Longhouse Music was in fine form throughout the autumn, but suffered her first defeat at the hands of the potentially re-opposing Holly Flight at Dungarvan, whilst the veteran On The Fringe could make his seasonal re-appearance at the age of 14 having won the Listowel Hunter Chase in June.
Race 5: Glen Wood, Tullamore 5yo Adjacent Maiden
FIDDLER OF DOONEY has been running well in recent weeks and this could be an ideal opportunity for him to get his head in front. Sastruga was not beaten too far at Nenagh last month on what was just his first completed outing and will likely improve for that which may allow him to challenge here.
Race 6: Coolmore NH Division & Tullamore Agri 7yo Geldings Maiden
COSMIC FLIGHT made his belated seasonal re-appearance at Kirkistown earlier in the month, and he was only narrowly denied by a race-fit rival on that occasion. With a host of placed form to his name, he should gain a long overdue maiden success here.
Mister Flemington disappointed somewhat at Turtulla, but if he can be forgiven that run he had chased home the recent Tetretema runner-up Cle En Main on his penultimate start which would give him claims. Tipp Away ran well on his first start for a new yard last time and is another for the shortlist.
