Limerick 29 December 2010
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it would be a major surprise if this didn't go the way of Clonmel Maiden Hurdle winner BIG GAME HUNTER. After a decent effort in Listed company, she ran the classy Ainama to two lengths over 2m4f at Cork last time and looks far too good for these rivals. Sounds Of Jupiter and Rory Anna have both won over hurdles but have stiff tasks in front of them in this company and will need to raise their games.
Big Game Hunter has shown his very best form over further than 2m, but with the emphasis likely to be on stamina, he should take advantage of what looks a straightforward opportunity. Rora Anna comes here off a break but still looks the most viable alternative.
Hard to rule any of these out but it could pay to side with THE HURL. After a fairly successful hurdling career, he only got as far as the second at Fairyhouse on his chasing bow last month but then put it all together with an impressive success at Thurles. A repeat of that effort could be good enough to land this. The danger could prove to be Mr Cracker, winner of two of his three starts over fences, but Naas scorer Kakagh and the progressive C'est Ca cannot be ruled out.
Mr Cracker should ensure that they go a decent clip and won't be easy to pass, but there was a lot to like about the way Kakagh got the job done at Naas and he may improve past Michael Hourigan's charge. The Hurl is also likely to progress in this sphere and ought to give a good account.
This might provide an ideal opportunity for STEPHANIE KATE to open her account. She showed little in three runs in 'bumpers' but turned in a fine effort first time over timber to finish a close second at Cork this month and has little to find to land this. Darwins Fox was a game winner of a Punchestown 'bumper' last month and could go well on his hurdling debut while Marlos Moment and Baily Busk are not without chances.
Stephanie Kate really caught the eye when second on debut and wouldn't need to improve greatly to go one better in a pretty ordinary maiden. Darwins Fox is expected to go close and Marlos Moment has sound place claims.
Catcherinscratcher was an impressive 'bumper' winner at Navan last month and could mount a bold showing on her hurdling debut. Wexford 'bumper' winner Definite Class was a good third at Gowran Park on her hurdling bow and has claims here, along with Evesham Star, second over 2m4f at Clonmel this month. Preference is for MAGGIE CONNOLLY, who has turned in three good efforts over hurdles over slightly longer trips. This drop in trip should enable her to get her head in front.
Maggie Connolly's second to Knockfierna sets a good standard in this and she just gets the nod over exciting hurdling recuit Catcherinscratcher. Definite Class looks best of the rest.
Recent 2m Clonmel scorer JACKS ISLAND hasn't proved the most reliable but this shouldn't take too much winning and it's worth sticking with him. Has has another 7lb to carry today but won with plenty in hand on that occasion and a repeat effort should be good enough here. Odonimee was a game winner at Gowran last time but has a lot more to do here and Dactik, who returned to form with a close fourth at Naas, might be a safer bet for the forecast.
Odonimee was much improved for this yard last time and is worth a chance to follow up her latest success from an 8 lb higher mark. Dactik is very intersting given his Flat form, whilst Stayclosetome may do better with blinkers fitted.
Plenty can be given chances here but it might be worth sticking with FALSE MESSENGER, a comfortable winner over 2m7f at Thurles last time. She carries another 10lb now but won with any amount in hand last time and can can follow up with a repeat performance. Flemensford beat the selection over 2m4f at Limerick at the start of last month and is 3lb better off now but her best efforts have come over shorter trips. Tilly Ann scored over 2m4f at Navan latest and can be given a chance despite a 10lb rise in the weights.
Flemensford won with a bit to spare her on his reapperance and looks set to take all the beating despite a fairly hefty rise. False Messenger and Prince of Forwards could be the 2 to give her most to do.
This looks a good opportunity for UNCLE JUNIOR to break his duck over fences at the fourth time of asking. A prolific scorer in 'bumpers' and over timber, he's finished second three times over the larger obstacles and can go one better now. Roi Du Mee is flattered by his form figures but is clearly going the right way over fences and could prove the danger while Bit Of A Devil needs to improve on his two efforts in chases so far but cannot be ruled out.
Willie Mullins can enhance his already impressive record at this venue courtesy of Uncle Junior, who is presented with a good opportunity to open his account over fences. Bit of A Devil and Roi du Mee can follow the selection home.
In these sorts of races it usually pays to side with the Mullins family partnership and you could do no worse than to side with their representative, ALLEE GARDE, here. He's finished second twice on rain softened ground from his three career starts and can open his account in this company. Letter Of Credit looks a progressive sort and might not be too far away while Radio Eireann showed plenty of promise when fourth at Roscommon on his debut and should get a lot closer this time.
Allee Garde looks to have been found a good opportunity to break his duck after a couple of seconds and gets the verdict over Radio Eireann and Giveabobback.
