Weekend Preview | Loughrea

Race 1: Goffs UK Autumn Sale 4yo Maiden


Denis Murphy and Colin Bowe clearly have their horses in great form to start the season following a double and treble for the pair respectively last weekend, and with PATS FANCY and For Talks Sake, they look to have two of the leading protagonists. The former made his debut here in May when second behind Gunsight Ridge and it would not be hard to see him going one place closer. Mount Guiry is another who settled for the runners-up spot on debut, whilst Fuego De Labbaye represents the same connections who won a division of this last year.


Race 2: Pier Head Bar & Restaurant 5yo Geldings Maiden


A wide-open looking race which could well go the way of GOLD BANDIT. The Gold Well gelding chased home subsequent hunter chase winner Casey Jem on his debut, before getting among the placings once again at Monksgrange. Dawnie Boy was a beaten favourite in the unplaced maiden at Fairyhouse last spring, but had been holding every chance when falling at Courtown on his penultimate start, whilst the well-related Square Ball ran his best race when finishing fifth at Loughrea on his latest outing.


Race 3: Dartfield 5yo Mares Maiden


A small turnout for this where QUEEN AMONG KINGS could have the crucial fitness edge over her rivals having made her reappearance last Sunday at Castletown-Geoghegan. Her third behind For Rita was her second consecutive placing which is encouraging and she also got the better of the potentially reposing Gold Creek. Lady Violet should be able to get more competitive in this having finished tailed off in a Wexford bumper during the summer, whilst the newcomers will certainly come into the reckoning in a race like this.


Race 4: Renvyle House Hotel & Resort and MacDermot & Allen Solicitors Open


Kruzhlinin and Longhouse Music managed to win 13 races apiece last season without taking each other on, and with former Irish Gold Cup winner, Edwulf, also among the entries, the chances of all three appearing is slim. Whichever of the trio does take up the engagement would be the one to beat. Lac Fontana is himself a former Grade 1 winner, who has enjoyed success at this grade in Ballynoe, whilst Foxtail Hill once achieved a rating of 147 when with Nigel Twiston-Davies, and could be of interest if coping with the step up to three miles for the first time.


Race 5: INHS Committee 6yo Geldings Maiden (Nov Rdrs)


THE BONNY BOY went close on a couple of occasions last season, making the frame at both Belclare and Knockanard, and this could be a good opportunity to open his account. Tippinawaynow was extremely unlucky to win his maiden two season’s ago, however he missed the entire of the 2018/19 campaign, which may leave Mustmeetforapint as the main danger. Whilst one of his more disappointing efforts from 11 outings last season did come on the adjacent maiden at this venue in the spring, he made the frame on a number of occasions and has switched yards over the summer, with this being his debut for Niall Kelleher.


Race 6: The Galway Blazers Winner of One


DO YOUR JOB could be set for a quick reappearance having impressed with a notable round of jumping to make a winning debut last Sunday at Castletown-Geoghegan. Banner Rebel won a four-year-old maiden at Dromahane over Christmas, and certainly has to be feared on his return to action, whilst Saint Benedict and My Story are others for the shortlist.