NEW ENERG Y’S GOT THE WIND IN SAILS NOW
IT’S A big day for this year’s three-year- olds at Leopardstown.
Time to see what has progressed from two to three and whose peak is already behind them; are we about to see some classic heroes unwrapped?
A three-year- old maiden kicks off the card but don’t be fooled, just because they didn’t collect last year doesn’t mean they won’t feature in some big events this term.
Point Gellibrand (2.0) was touched off by the classy Atomic Jones on debut and followed that with a fine run in the Futurity Stakes.
On both occasions he ran to a mark in the region of 100; he should comfortably collect most maidens, albeit this will be better than most.
I’m going left field for the 2,000 Guineas Trial, Ne w Energy (2.35) had a number of rivals in front of him in the Killavullen here back in October, but there is reason to think he could turn things around.
He had been running a cracker that day, but faded close home with the seven furlongs perhaps too far that day.
With time and development the trip could be ideal this time around.
The 1,000 Guineas Trial follows, where Joseph O’Brien may quickly double up.
Aga rtha (3.10) is a beautiful filly who continued to progress last year when she was second in the Moyglare and represented well when fourth at Longchamp in the Marcel Boussac.
Improvers tend to keep improving so there is no reason she won’t step up once more.
Value
The Ballysax is wide open and again I’ve gone for one that could hold value. Manu Et Corde (3.45) caught my eye on a number of occasions. A big, rangy type who could also progress with time.
A second in the Beresford was a big showing ahead of a race that lacks a standout.
In the handicap again it is a horse that will have improved over the break we are looking for.
Donnacha O’Brien would possibly train with a more gentle touch than others in the line and Simp ly Glorious (4.20) could have more to come. Craft Irish (4.55) is easily the least experienced in the Retraining Ireland’s Racehorses Handicap, but she won a Dundalk maiden with ease. It’s hard to assess that, but a rating of 75 does not seem harsh and she can exploit that. Massama n (5.25) took time to find his grove but has quickly added two wins and Jack Davison looks to have found a nice opportunity to make that three.