WE GO AGAIN
Quick return for Mullins ace Limini can pay dividend
LIMINI is back in action just four days after her comeback in the Guinness Handicap at Galway this evening.
Willie Mullins’ talented dualpurpose mare was having her first run for over 500 days on the opening night of the Festival.
All looked to be going swimmingly for most of the race until stable companion Uradel swept past in the final furlong and she was beaten a length and a half.
‘I think she’s gone up 11lb for the other night but she gets to run in this off her old mark,’ said assistant trainer Patrick Mullins, who rode her on Tuesday but now makes way for Kevin Manning.
‘Obviously it is not ideal to be back running so quickly after a long lay-off but she seems to have come out of the race in great form so we’ll let her take her chance.
‘This is only a mile-and-ahalf compared to two miles the other night, but she travelled so well for me that night and shows a lot of speed at home that I don’t think that will be an issue at all.
‘The way the ground is riding now and with the uphill finish, that should suit her.’
The yard also run Law Girl, Nessun Dorma and top weight Gustavus Vassa, with Mullins Junior sweet on the chances of the latter.
‘I think the ground has probably gone against Law Girl but while Gustavas Vassa might have top weight, he could still be ahead of his mark,’ said Patrick.
‘He’s been unfortunate to bump into Sea The Lion — a real improving horse — the last twice and the pair of them have pulled a long way clear of the rest in their last two races.
‘So, while he’s got all that weight, there could be more to come. Danny [Mullins] is on board and rides the track as well as anyone, and if Limini is not firing on all cylinders he might be one to take advantage.’
Meanwhile, connections of Wicklow Brave are hoping he will be in the mood to shine as he lines up in the Rockshore Race.
A top-level winner both on the Flat and over hurdles, the nine-year-old is now in the twilight of his career but showed he is still capable on his day when victorious at Killarney last month.
Nick Peacock, of owners Wicklow Bloodstock, was pleased to see him hit the mark again and is also thrilled to have champion jockey Colin Keane taking the reins this time.
He said: ‘We have got a good jockey booked and the ground won’t inconvenience him, so it’s fingers crossed he puts his best foot forward.
‘Obviously he’s not quite the warrior he once was, but he’s been a good horse for us and it was great to see him win last time.’
Peacock will be on hand for the one-mile, six-furlong feature as he has ventured to Galway for the first time this year.
‘This is actually my first time in Galway. It’s exciting to be here and it’s a great atmosphere.’