IRISH ANGLE

NAP OF THE DAY

MICHAEL Hourigan turns 74 this December but remains enthusiastic as ever and can enjoy a rare flat success at Thurles today, for their annual meeting on the level.

EASTERN TORNADO (3.30) looks capable of building on some really good efforts this summer in the Littleton Handicap. He’s only rated 47 but is by Canford Cliffs and has a turn of foot but unlucky not to get his head in front.

Since going handicapping he’s finished second, third and fourth, and today looks the day he can finally end up in the winners’ enclosure.

EACH-WAY THIEF

THE Moyne Handicap looks a good race to select something eachway and HIDDEN

SPARK (2.55) jumps out as one that might go well for Group 1 winning trainer Ado McGuinness.

The Lusk handler is still on a high following last weekend’s Longchamp success and this five-yearold filly looks to have a life here. She’s won three times and finished third on her last two runs both at Gowran Park.

Thurles is not a dissimilar track and with Cian MacRedmond claiming 5lbs she’s not without a chance, even in stall 15.

ONE TO WATCH

NOT many runners in a Fillies Maiden have the letter U in their form but Joseph O’Brien’s VOICE OF ANGELS (1.15) unfortunately clipped heels and unseated Shane Crosse at Leopardstown last month. Luckily the pair emerged unscathed and in the opening contest they might have a chance.

The Dark Angel filly was well backed that day after making the frame in her previous two outings. Her defeat at the Curragh was to Concert Hall, who went on to win a Group 3. That’s very good form in the context of this race.

ONE TO SWERVE

KNIGHT OF MALTA (2.20) has finished runner- up on his previous two starts at Bellewstown and Listowel and will be fancied to finally get his head in front in the 1m Maiden. This looks a tougher race than those two contests though and the War

Front gelding might not appreciate the rain which has changed Thurles’ going back to yielding.