FRUITY CAN ROCK & ROLL
Byrnes’ inmate looks set for a Galway Tri-umph
ROCK ON FRUITY could be the one to side with in the Galway Plate Trial at Limerick this afternoon.
This looks a competitive edition of the race and a case could be made for quite a few of the runners.
Even though he hasn’t won for over two years, and has yet to make his mark over fences, Rock On Fruity is the one that appeals most.
Charles Byrne’s charge comes here off a couple of decent efforts at Kilbeggan and only for a second-last fence mistake he may well have won there last month.
On that occasion he was beaten just over a length into third by Mr Boss Man and he also filled the same position behind Riviera Sun at that track in May.
Those efforts would suggest that his turn won’t be long in coming and he does have a light weight to aid his cause.
Among his chief rivals is Phil’s Magic, who showed well to take fourth in that same Kilbeggan race won by Mr Boss Man.
He is reasonably treated on some of his old form and is now tried in a first-time tongue strap, which could aid his cause considerably.
Among the trainers worth following this afternoon is Henry de Bromhead, who could have a double.
His Criminate is the choice in the opening maiden hurdle despite performing some way below his best when he was last in action in December.
This Milan gelding is much better than he showed that day, as evidenced by some decent maiden hurdle form in the autumn.
He has previously shown up well to reach the frame in races won by the likes of Labaik and Mick Jazz, which makes him the clear choice.
In the conditions chase, All Hell Let Loose is also taken to strike for de Bromhead, even though he has not been at his best for some time.
Last summer he looked a classy recruit to chasing when scoring at Kilbeggan, but he has lost his way in three subsequent runs.
He is chosen in the hope that a switch to three miles on good ground will bring about a revival in his fortunes.
In the rated hurdle, the experienced Zig Zag could strike for Joseph O’brien, although he needs to improve on a recent outing at Kilbeggan.
Prior to that he chased home Dandy Mag at Ballinrobe and that looks strong form with the winner going on to be placed at Grade 1 level in France.
O’brien might also capture the beginners’ chase with Valgor Du Ronceray, who was running well when falling two out at Clonmel last month.