IT’S A TOP STORY..
WINNER of a competitive Curragh maiden on his debut last month, Breaking Story should prove tough to beat in the listed Ballyhane Blenheim Stakes, feature of today’s eight-race flat card in Fairyhouse.
This Dandy Man colt created a favourable impression on debut, despite being a virtually unconsidered 33/1 shot, travelling strongly before asserting and beating fellow newcomer I Am Superman in a race boosted by the victory of the fifth, Circus Maximus, in Gowran Park on Saturday.
With improvement expected, Breaking Story, the mount of Robbie Colgan, might prove too strong for the other unbeaten colt in the field, the Ger Lyonstrained Inverleigh, successful on his debut at Leopardstown, and Aidan O’brien’s All The King’s Men, which came good in a weak Naas maiden last Wednesday.
Leading apprentice Ben Coen might land the six-furlong nursery on the Andy Slatterytrained top-weight Offline, successful on his debut in Dundalk before finishing third in hot company and, last time, being noted making late headway to finish fifth to Dragon Call in Navan.
The Requinto colt will be helped by a low draw and, thanks to Coen’s 7lb. claim, might prove best in a tough ten-runner affair, in which Vidiyni, Lord Rapscallion and Naas winner Dancing Moonlight are among the dangers
A dual-winner at the Curragh this season and consistent off his higher mark in recent starts, the Johnny Murtagh-trained top-weight Shore Step is a sporting nap choice in the second division of the six furlong apprentice handicap. Denis Linehan’s mount likes to race prominently and will be helped by a low draw.
Blackmore joined Paul Townend on the 35-winner mark in the title race when sharing a Navan double with Henry de Bromhead yesterday.
They combined to win the featured Baroneracing.com Handicap Chase with 5/2 favourite Abbey Magic, which made all and jumped superbly to beat Sam King.
The mare is now two from two since joining de Bromhead and also unbeaten in her two starts over fences.
The double had been initiated by another favourite, 7/4 shot Daybreak Boy, in the opening maiden hurdle.
And Gordon Elliott, who will send an 11-strong team to Perth’s last meetings of the season, on Wednesday and Thursday, was also in double form, winning the beginners chase with 4/5 favourite Its All Guesswork, ridden by Davy Russell, before Ballydunblaze (Lisa O’neill) made a successful debut in the bumper.