Eight-race card for Kilbeggan Races

Kilbeggan Racecourse treats us to a competitive eight-race card of National Hunt races on Friday evening, July 25, complete with six races over hurdles and two over fences.

The action begins with a four-year-olds’ maiden hurdle over two miles and three furlongs (4.15). Four newcomers are introduced here; Clever Court, Hungry Henry, Howayahoney and Riverwoods.

Willie Mullins’ Love Me Tender will likely be well fancied on what is his hurdle debut, having won his bumper in May by an impressive eight lengths. That form has since been franked, so he should be the one to beat. He does carry a penalty as a result, though, so siding with Power Of Words, who has run over hurdles three times now, slowly improving, could be a safer option.

Another maiden hurdle follows, again over two miles and three furlongs (4.50). Timurshah is tried in this code for the first time having switched codes from the Flat, while Breezingwithdstars appears at a racecourse for the very first time. Speakasyoufind showed some ability on hurdles debut at Cork earlier this month, and could improve here, especially given a useful seven pounds by his rider.

Next is the first division of a handicap hurdle run over two miles and three furlongs (5.20). There are a number in here with a chance, so this is a tough race to call. Angelsworknovrtime was second of 16 last time out and has only risen a pound in the handicap for that performance, so could have been given a real chance here. If Tedworth’s first-time cheekpieces take effect, he could be in contention now down a further three pounds, and My Good Pal might be in with a chance now, with good course form and a slightly reduced mark.

The second division of the same race follows (5.55). Eoin Doyle’s Newport ran well last time out at Wexford and, remaining on the same mark, ought to have a fair chance of winning today. Demanding Gerry improved on his reappearance when last seen at Downpatrick for second place, and is given Alex Harvey’s five pounds again, so could go one better also. Jaadil appears to be in a similar boat; second when last seen and stays on the same mark, with three pounds from her rider.

Another handicap hurdle over two miles and three furlongs (6.30). Faceman and Swelltime both won their last starts, but sharp rises in the weights as a result temper confidence that they can deliver again. Loup De Tallane, a nine-year-old, gave a good performance at this track last time out over two and a half miles for third of 14. He has come down a pound for that run, and has five pounds from his claiming rider once again, and might be in luck here.

Race six is a maiden hurdle over an extended three miles (7.05). Three of the field of 14 are newcomers; Urban Lee, Singing Casamento and Dancing Tariff. They will have their work cut out for them to oblige on debut in a race like this, though, so it should be better to side with one of the more experienced contenders.

Gordon Elliott’s William Butler, who is proven over the trip, dons first-time blinkers, which might help him finish closer to the front than in his most recent starts, all of which were respectable. Reiki Revolution should be right there with him, but is given five pounds by his rider, which might give him the edge. The well-bred North Moon is of interest for Willie Mullins, stepping up significantly in trip for his hurdle debut, after finishing mid-field in a bumper earlier this month, but may still be best watched on this occasion due to his inexperience.

The penultimate race is a handicap chase over two and a half miles (7.40). There is plenty of depth in this field of 10, with Woodstream Lad having won his last start and I A Connect, St Cuthbert’s Cave and Caesar Rock placing on theirs. The latter could make use of his rider’s five pounds and go one better here, but the JP McManus-owned A Wave Of The Sea has dropped down to a mark which should be more than workable now.

Finally, the evening’s racing concludes with another two and half mile handicap chase (8.15). Hob’s Angel is a bit inconsistent, but if on a going day here would be involved. Otherwise, the top two in the weights appear the most likely to be in contention; Peckham Springs and Gina Moon. The former ran a good race when last seen at Downpatrick for fourth position, while the latter seems to be best over the trip she is set for in Kilbeggan.