Weekend Preview | Ballyragget 15th March 2020

Race 1 - Tallis & Co and Aidan Brophy 5yo Geldings Maiden

A double last Sunday at Lingstown for Colin Bowe has continued a good spell for his Milestone Stables, and so it is worth giving a second chance to PAY THE PIPER. The Court Cave gelding disappointed at Borris House a fortnight ago, when trailing Hidden Commander by a distance. He had been narrowly denied on his two previous outings, ensuring he is entitled to hold strong claims if putting his best foot forward.

Stable companion, Mount Oscar, is another horse that has made the frame on a number of occasions, whilst Il Coura, was a first fence casualty at Lingstown and Blame The Game, a full-brother of Spiritofthegames, offered plenty of promise in his debut at Ballycrystal, a race that has worked out well since.

Race 2 - GAIN Equine Nutrition 5yo Mares Maiden

VICTORIAS PEAK has been somewhat unlucky to bump into two smart looking mares at Punchestown and Borris House respectively in recent weeks. She emerged with plenty of credit on both occasions, running a particularly big race when chasing home Shiroccos Dream most recently, and it would look as though a big performance would be required by one of her rivals to prevent her from going one place better.

Sheer Liss would look the real alternative, as she finished in front of recent Borris House winner, Emma Prada, when second at Tallow, whilst Davitt Road Glory is capable of better than her latest showing and cannot be discounted.

Race 3 - Dicks SuperValu, Ballyragget 5yo Adjacent Maiden

The grey MINELLA LIGHTNING has failed to deliver the performance that merited being sent off as the odds-on favourite for a four-year-old maiden at Bellharbour 13 months ago, however he was clearly held in high regard, and the notable drop in grade that he will encounter here may provide him with his best chance to date.

The mare Karlow Jo caught the eye on her debut at Borris House when chasing home the more experienced Trump Lady, and she should be able to improve, whilst the market will give the best guide as to what can be expected from the newcomers. 

Race 4 - Connollys Red Mills Open- Novice Riders

EDDIES MIRACLE has taken all before him this season, winning on each of his four outings. His latest success at Tinahely was his most comfortable to date and he now looks to become the first horse of the season to reach the five-winner mark.

Aintree Foxhunters runner-up Burning Ambition has not been seen between the flags since finishing third in Bellharbour 13 months ago, and at his best he must certainly be expected to go close. Reigning Supreme brings more recent winning form to the table, as gained a deserved success at Cragmore last month and has been keeping good company throughout the season. The returning Some Are Lucky, Mighty Stowaway, last years second All Hell Let Loose and former Grade 1 winner Road To Riches are other potential dangers.

Race 5 - John Dalton & Sons, Chancellors Mills Winner Of One

MONGOL EMPEROR will look to quickly follow-up after only gaining his initial victory last Sunday at Turtulla. He won by a wide-margin on that occasion, and did not seem to have a hard race.

His former stable companion, Oneida, got off the mark on his first start for the Sam Curling yard when getting his head in front at Kildorrery and is the big threat, alongside Farmacaffley winner, Westy Fox, who overcame an error to gain that maiden success, and the consistent Call It Time, who is already proven at this level. 

Race 6 - John Phelan & Co and John Holland 6yo Geldings Maiden

REINVENT was well-supported prior to his debut at Nenagh, and he only found the more experienced, Makeshift, too good on that occasion.

He could well find the necessary improvement to go one better in this. Daddy Curtis posted two solid efforts last spring but has not been seen since May, and so has an absence to overcome, whilst the veteran, Smokin Vinnie, ran respectably on his return between the flags at Kildorrery.