Bo Samraan can flourish at Southwell once again
BO Samraan had a fine performance at Southwell last time — and can build in the Betway EBF Buccaneer Conditions Stakes.
The ability to handle Fibresand can be a key factor at the venue, and Mark Johnston’s charge showed it poses few problems for him when held in second behind Grazeon Roy.
Bo Samraan tried to make every yard over 12 furlongs, but found the winner too speedy.
He was conceding 10lb, so a length-and-a-quarter defeat does not read too badly, and conditions today give him a handy pull with all but Sevenna Star.
Bo Samraan and that rival are evenly matched on the figures, but preference is for a runner proven to handle the surface.
Queen Of Kalahari is another with strong Southwell form.
Les Eyre took her to Newcastle and while she was far from disgraced in third, she did not show her best on the different surface.
While still on a perch of 63, she looks competitive in the Betway Heed Your Hunch Handicap. DUNDALK: 5.15 Dark Vader, 5.45 Noble Expression, 6.15 Glorious Hero, 6.45 Shore Step, 7.15 Rock On Aidan, 7.45
Solar System, 8.15 Rippling Waters, 8.45 Munfallet.
KEMPTON: 4.30 Buy Me Back, 5.00 Annie Quickstep, 5.30 Sheriffmuir, 6.00 Dizzy G, 6.30 Vibrance, 7.00 Social City, 7.30 Bullington Boy, 8.00 True Belief.
LIMERICK: 12.30 Rebel Waltz, 1.05 Poseidon, 1.40 Prosecution, 2.10 Fenta Des Obeaux, 2.45 Kayf Thou, 3.20 Drifting Back, 3.50 Moyode Gold.
NEWBURY: 12.15 Morning Spirit, 12.45 Encore Champs, 1.20 Shan Blue, 1.50 Kalashnikov, 2.25 Black Op, 3.00 Paisley Park, 3.35 One For The Team.
SOUTHWELL: 12.55 Young Tiger, 1.30 Elysee Star, 2.00 Sociologist, 2.35 BO SAMRAAN (NAP), 3.10 Queen Of Kalahari, 3.45 Dream World, 4.15 Face Like Thunder.
DOUBLE: Bo Samraan and Black Op.
COACH Adrian Fulton is relishing the prospect of having his strongest squad so far as Belfast Star prepare to host Eanna in the quarter-finals of the National Cup tomorrow night.
Fulton was delighted to see American Ben Marello (inset) back on the court in training this week and, having missed the defeat away to Neptune in the All Ireland Super League, he will line up alongside fellow countryman Delaney Blaylock for the first time.
In addition to his two Americans, Fulton will also see the return to action of Liam Pettigrew, while son CJ Fulton has recovered from a heavy cold.
The Star boss is expecting another tough battle with Eanna, having defeated them in a tight encounter in the Super League.
“It’s going to be a very tough game because they’re a quality side.
The last time we played Ben had 29 and CJ had 27 so they’re obviously going to be wary of the two of them,” said Fulton.
“Ben has trained this week so to have him and Delaney on the court — though not at the same time — is a real shot in the arm.
“Ben has been brilliant for us all season and Delaney will be sharp after getting a game last weekend following his lay-off. We also have Liam Pettigrew back who we missed last week and it’s good that CJ is feeling well again.
“We got to the semi-finals last year and I believe we’re a better team this season because of the depth we have in the squad.”
Star have never managed to get their hands on the Cup and Fulton is all too aware of how much it would mean to go all the way.
If they are to make it to the last four for a second successive season, Fulton insists that it will not be down to firepower alone but also their defensive attributes.
“We have worked hard being better in defence this year and there have been encouraging signs,” added Fulton.
“Our new Swedish player David Jallow brings a lot of intensity to training and to the court in defence. He’s going to contribute a lot for us this season.
“I like the way he is also very vocal on the court and we going to have to be very sound defensively to progress.
“It’s a massive game for us, there’s no getting away from it and I’m sure there it’s going to be quite an atmosphere but the players have to play the game and not the occasion.”