THE LIME LIGHT IS SHINING ON GIN
GIN ON LIME should complete a chasing hat-trick in the
Patrickswell Novice Chase in Limerick today.
In the frame in two hurdle outings for Jessica Harrington and her two initial starts over fences for current handler Henry de Bromhead, the five-year-old mare has blossomed in recent victories at Killarney and Wexford.
And the key to her wins has been her quick, accurate jumping – she made all and had the race in the bag when left clear at the second last at Killarney in May, ultimately coasting home 42 lengths clear of stable-companion Tune The Chello (runs in today’s 3.40).
She faced a tough task in a novice at Wexford early last month and again dictated the pace before beating 128-rated Star Max, a reliable and experienced yardstick, by eight lengths.
Gin On Lime meets Star Max again today on 4lb worse terms, but if her jumping holds up she’ll be very tough to catch.
An accomplished hurdler (he won at Grade 3 level), Turnpike Trip will be expected to make it third-time-lucky over fences for the Byrnes family in the Glin Beginners Chase.
This fellow was sent off favourite when finishing a close and creditable third behind a pair of 128-rated rivals, Cavalry Master and Star Max, at Wexford last month.
He was a strong 6/5 favourite for a beginners at the same venue last week and held every chance, alongside eventual winner Friary Rock, when making his exit three from home.
Today’s opposition is stronger. But Turnpike Trip is expected to bounce back from that blip.
And Joseph O’brien’s chasing debutante Global Equity, whose hurdle form includes a close second to Coral Cup winner Heaven Help Us in a hot Leopardstown handicap and a last-time-out second to Gauloise at listed level last time, sets a decent standard in the Croom Mares Beginners Chase.