A Whisper of a chance

A very quiet weekend for me, with just three rides in Naas today. And a rare day off tomorrow.

But it’s been a good week, with a double at the Curragh last Friday and a succession of near misses on Saturday.

And, of course, Sirici’s win in the listed Tipperary Stakes in Tipperary on Thursday was the highlight.

She’s a real pocket-rocket, with a big heart. And it was great to get some winning black type with her.

She’s won three of her six starts now, two on the polytrack, plus Thursday’s battling win. I was optimistic we might grab some black type. But winning was a bonus.

We changed tactics – Fozzy told me to jump and run on her. And, when it came to the battle through the final furlong my filly wanted it the most.

It was great to ride a couple of winners, Casla and Enter The Red, on the

Friday of the Derby meeting at the Curragh.

But Saturday was frustrating, coming so close on Gordon Lord Byron and Honor Oak for Tom Hogan and Mizaah for the boss (Kevin Prendergast, inset).

We were delighted with the performance of Alexios Komnenos on his comeback run in the Dubai Duty Free Celebration Stakes on Saturday.

It was his first run since last July, since he bumped into Churchill at Leopardstown. And he travelled really well for such an inexperienced colt, returning after such a long break.

But race fitness, or the lack of it, told again him in the final furlong. That said, he was only beaten a half-length and a neck behind True Valour and Sea Wolf.

The good news is he came out of the race fine. Fozzy will take it week by week with him, but he has lots of options, including the Platinum Stakes in Cork early next month.

The only real disappointment last weekend was Commander Grigio’s display in the Railway. He simply didn’t run his race and is a lot better than he showed. But he came out of the race fine and will be back.

Realistically, I’m approaching today’s three rides in Naas with hope more than confidence.

which I ride for Bill Farrell, in the fillies maiden has the most potential. She ran a nice enough race when seventh behind Black Ruby in Fairyhouse. It was a solid first run. She’s bound to improve and, although it looks a competitive maiden, has a chance of finishing in the frame.

was beaten less than five lengths behind Trump Card when I rode her at Fairyhouse and ran a nice race, in her first handicap.

She’s a very well-bred filly. And it would be great to win a race with her. She’s dropping in trip and, hopefully, might run well.

I don’t know much about my other ride, for Andy Mcnamara. He’s been running over hurdles and hasn’t run on the flat since he left Jim Bolger’s. So I’m not sure what to expect.