McGrath mare an ‘Eyecatcher’ under Brassil at Tipperary

MISS EYECATCHER can make it three from three from her visits to the Tipperary track at Limerick Junction this evening, when a mixed card should draw a nice crowd under the glowing sun.

The filly is already four from 12 under Rules – a fine hit-rate given her limitations – and she won bumpers at Tipperary last year for trainer Roger McGrath in May, one of them on good ground.

The way she travelled in those bumpers suggested she would make a pattern-class mare hurdling – at least potentially.

As such, that she has only one victory over the sticks and is rated 116 is a shade underwhelming, but rider Conor Brassil is fine value for his claim of 5lb and likely tonight’s trip is something like her optimum. She ran a good race last time and makes plenty of appeal.

MISS EYECATCHER is still only a six-year-old and her third to Toe The Line in a maiden hurdle in January reads rather well. She since won over today’s distance at Wexford – but hopefully she saves her best for Tipperary.

The main action at ‘The Junction’ takes place on the level, commencing with the sprint maiden. The rather cleverly named WOLF OF BAGGOT STREET made a really bright start at Navan and, though Murillo can surely do better for Ballydoyle, the Murtagh runner should score under Pat Smullen.

SWEETEST TABOO is, like Miss Eyecatcher, a course winner. While she could be deemed somewhat expensive to follow, her high draw may be in her favour now for Willie McCreery in the handicap dash.

Ana O’Brien is bidding to win the apprentice title for the first time and can take the other maiden for her father Aidan aboard WISCONSIN, a rare one in Ireland being by the Japanese superstar Deep Impact. He is out of Peeping Fawn, a brilliant mare for the champion trainer.

For all that only six turned up, the fillies’ handicap intrigues.

LILLY THE LIONESS loves it around Tipperary and takes the eye under Wayne Lordan, for all that age is no longer her ally.

LETTRE DE CACHET was put in at 8/13 in the maiden hurdle by Paddy Power last evening. The Noel Meade-trained filly is no star, yet what can beat her is another matter.

Champion jumps trainer Willie Mullins has jut the one runner,

MYSTIC THEATRE in the nightcap. She is penalised, as is Penny Jane, the probable danger in a probable match – rather befitting Mullins’ championship battle with Gordon Elliott last term.