Flemenstorm primed to strike again
RECENT Fairyhouse winner Flemenstorm is among 12 declared for the Breaffy House Resort Handicap Chase at Ballinrobe this evening.
After filling the runner-up berth on three consecutive occasions, the Eddie Cawley-trained gelding deservedly got his head in front in the Ladies National a fortnight ago. Katie O’Farrell was aboard the 10-year-old for that Fairyhouse win and she retains the ride now, taking a valuable 7lb off.
Spancil Hill has won twice over the smaller obstacles so far this year and he looks an obvious danger, with Cathal Landers also claiming 7lb.
Robin Des Foret is the stand-out name in the Supermac’s Beginners’ Chase. The Willie Mullins-trained gelding has won six times from 11 starts, including a Listed Hurdle at Limerick on his penultimate outing.
He makes his debut over fences now and should prove too good for his nine rivals, with Last Encounter probably the biggest danger.
The opening Mayo Day Maiden Hurdle also has a clear form choice in the shape of Avellino. This dual bumper winner has been placed on her last two starts and should be able to get off the mark over flights now with Mark Enright in the saddle.
Enright takes the ride on Voluptueux in the Paddy Smyth Memorial Handicap Hurdle, which looks a wide open affair.
Handicap debutant Roxboro Road, which is a full-brother to Any Second Now, is an interesting contender for Ted Walsh, while top-weight Buck Dancing and the Charles Byrnes-trained Viking Hoard are others to note.
Touch Base and Hugo ‘n Taz look to have the Costello & McDermott Maiden Hurdle between them, while Getaway Rose should give a good account of herself in the FBD Handicap Hurdle.
Meanwhile, at Kilbeggan yesterday, Gavin Cromwell took the training honours with a quick-fire double courtesy of Callthebarman (7/4f) and Running In Heels (8/1).
Callthebarman won at Huntingdon last month and was well-supported to follow up in the Summer Party Pack Handicap Hurdle for jockey Brien Kane.
The son of Lord Shanakill led two out and held off the challenge of Henry de Bromhead’s Visioman (4/1) under Robbie Power by half a length.
“He’s a grand little horse and is a half-brother to Jer’s Girl,” said Cromwell. “He’s strong for a four-year-old and is making use of the allowance at the minute.”
Cromwell promptly doubled up when Running In Heels and Andrew Lynch were comfortable winners of the Mullingar Handicap Hurdle, seeing off Brosna George (3/1) by five-and-a-half lengths.
Camlann (16/1) was a surprise victor in the Racing Again Friday 11th May Beginners Chase, scoring under Danny Mullins for John ‘Shark’ Hanlon on his fencing debut.