Jerandme a National treaure
NOEL MEADE’S versatile seven-year-old Jerandme might prove the answer in this evening’s AXA Insurances Midlands National in Kilbeggan.
The race has attracted last year’s winner Freewheelin Dylan, also successful in this year’s Boylesports Irish Grand National and bidding for a Midlands follow-up off an 11lb higher mark.
Dermot Mcloughlin has booked Richie Deegan for the ride, claiming 5lb. And the top-weight, fourth to Mister Fogpatches at the Punchestown Festival, has realistic claims again.
But I prefer Jerandme, a seven-time winner, successful in a beginners on this card last year before reverting to the flat to win the Ulster Cesarewitch and coming into the race on the back of a second to another Mcloughlin hope The Echo Boy in the Connacht National at Roscommon last time.
Now 5lb. better off with that rival, Jerandme might turn the tables in a field which also includes two formidable JP Mcmanus contenders, Uiscea Beatha and Shady Operator.
Also in Kilbeggan, Padraig Roche’s Walking On Glass, second to Whatucallher at Punchestown last time, looks the one to beat in the Kilbegganrace.com Handicap Hurdle.
Meanwhile, the clash of Wonder Laish and Peter Fahey’s veteran Peregrine Run in the Thank You To The Frontline Workers promises to be the highlight in Cork.
And marginal preference is for the Byrnes runner, last seen when unplaced at the Punchestown Festival and, presumably, on his way to Galway.
He’s trying two and half miles for the first time here but, on his third behind
Sole Pretender and Bapaume at this track in April, might get the better of his rival.
Earlier, Gloire D’athon should land the Corkracecourse.ie Maiden Hurdle.