HE’D SAY AMIN TO THAT

Win is on the cards for Buckley

LOCALLY trained by Eric Mcnamara, Alpesh Amin is strongly fancied to open his hurdling account in a division of the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle in Limerick.

The five-year-old Flemensfirth gelding has shown promise in recent outings and, with the assistance of Kieren Buckley, should be tough to beat.

Mcnamara’s charge has plenty of experience and has been an eye-catcher on his last two starts, notably when filling third spot behind Killarney bumper winner Polo Lounge at this venue last time, when beaten less than 12 lengths by the winner.

Prior to that run, Alpesh Amin had finished fourth to the Mullins-trained Hercule Du Seuil at Tipperary early last month, his first outing since May. And the winner of that event has gone on to triumph at Grade 3 level recently at Navan.

This looks a fine chance for Buckley’s mount while market support for Barry Connell’s newcomer Tony’s Pet would be significant ahead of the second division, in which the Philip Rothwell-trained Phils Choice, consistent in bumpers, looks the threat.

Another local trainer, Austin Leahy has definite prospects with top-weight Problem Solver in the Patrickswell Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.

Relatively lightly-raced and fourth to Earths Furies (will be fancied for today’s 2.45), this six-year-old relished the step-up to three miles when staying on dourly to beat A Dublin Job in a Tipperary handicap hurdle.

Shane O’callaghan, who rode him on that occasion, will be on board again today and, now 6lb higher, he might be capable of following-up in a competitive contest.

Mahler Appeal, narrowly beaten by Royal Rhythm at Galway last time, might prove the biggest danger to Leahy’s top-weight.

Gordon Elliott enjoyed a tremendous weekend and his racecourse debutante Shecouldbeanything will be the centre of attention in today’s bumper, the Irish EBF Mares Ladies Pro-am Flat Race.

A five-year-old Malinas mare, Elliott’s charge won her only point-to-point, for Eugene Turley, at Loughanmore (she beat Call The Barmaid by 13 lengths), last April, after which she was bought for £68,000 at the Cheltenham Sales.

Shecouldbeanything’s name sums up her prospects here. If she’s above average, Aine O’connor’s mount should be too good for Gilt Ride and Della Casa Lunga.

Barbaha Queen and versatile Brandy Harbour, runner-up in Galway on his two most recent starts, might dominate the Mr Binman Christmas Festival Handicap Hurdle.

Preference is for Barbaha Queen, fourth to Well Funded in Listowel and, last time, a creditable third to the well-handicapped Hey Johnny in Clonmel.