It’s clear Daylight is a talent
HURDLING debutante Daylight Katie shouldn’t be opposed in the St Margaret’s GAA Race Day Maiden Hurdle when National Hunt returns to Fairyhouse today.
Trained by Gordon Elliott and owner-ridden throughout her bumper campaign, Katie – a pointto-point victor – won her bumper at Gowran Park in February before acquitting herself well in graded company at both Aintree and Punchestown.
Third to The Glancing Queen in a Grade 2 mares event in Aintree, she was beaten five lengths by the exciting Gypsy Island in a Grade 3 at Punchestown and looks a promising hurdling recruit.
Today’s event doesn’t look particularly strong. And, with Davy Russell on board, Daylight Katie is a confident choice to make a winning start to her hurdling career.
On what promises to be a good day for Elliott, Champagne Classic, winner of the 2017 Martin Pipe at Cheltenham and placed in two chase starts last season – including a close second to Chris’s Dream in the Ten Up (Grade 3) at Navan – sets a decent standard in the beginners chase. His stablecompanion Tintangle, rated 135 over hurdles, looks interesting on her chase debut in the opener.
Local trainer Eddie Cawley has found a good chance for recent Sligo winner Select Opportunity, off a mark of just 80, in the Bobbyjo Bistro Handicap Hurdle.
Successful in a handicap chase off 93 last time, he looks feasibly handicapped over hurdles and must have solid claims under Chris Timmons in a modest handicap.