Two days of action ahead at Kilbeggan Races
The jumping action returns to Kilbeggan Racecourse this week with a two-day meeting. Thursday brings us eight races; six over hurdles and two bumpers.
We start with the first division of a two-mile maiden hurdle (15.30). Down After Dark unseated on his first ever start so is still an unknown, while Geashill Poet is a newcomer. Power Of Knowledge hinted at some ability in a bumper in the summer and looks compelling now. He is particularly interesting as he is still a colt. Tomthescaffolder could be helped by the application of first-time cheekpieces but the trip might be too sharp. First Ascent might be an option after a good pair of runs over course and distance.
Local trainer Ciaran Murphy has Baila Conmigo in the opening race and it's worth noting that the Charlestown Racing supremo recorded a treble and a double at the two most recent meetings in Kilbeggan. Baila Conmigo finished fourth when Puppet Master won for the same yard last time out.
In the second division (16.05), Texas Red has been producing some nice performances and could factor, while Unfortunatecharlie was a successful pointer who could make a good Rules debut here. Jack Spriggins is a nice new recruit from the Flat sphere, while Goeasyonme placed first time out and could make more progress here.
Race three is a maiden hurdle run over two miles and three furlongs (16.40). It’s All Clear could get involved but has been better over shorter so far, while La Muleta showed promise in the point-to-point field and could make an impression here. Splendid Fellow was only narrowly beaten at this track last time and should follow that up.
The fourth race is a mares’ handicap hurdle (17.15). Bowgate Street placed last time at today’s mark and could get involved once again, but Chemdawg is a bit more consistent and can compete at this point in the handicap as well. Demanding Gerry could be one to side with on a very attractive mark and is given three pounds by his rider.
Next is a maiden hurdle run over two miles and three furlongs (17.48). The Bossman About and Blue Trix are the debutant here, the latter being by the popular Blue Bresil and trained by Willie Mullins, so she is bound to attract attention. Not In A Hurry placed on debut and can make progress up in trip, and he looks to be the one that the Mullins-trained newcomer has to beat.
A handicap hurdle run over the same trip follows (18.18), sponsored by Clarke's Bar, Mullingar. Blue Reed is a course and distance winner who can operate at this mark, while Dairy Force is a fairly reliable sort who ought to be able to get back to his usual self after a fall last time. Sea Of Doubt tends to make a good show of herself and should appreciate the step back up in trip here.
Second to last is a mares’ bumper (18.48). Back In Favour was good in the point-to-point field but has shown much less in bumpers so far. Ballito Beauty was narrowly beaten on her debut at Sligo and could go well again, while Pamelaisbrass and Pat O’s Rock have both shown promise. Peat Sounds was a beaten favourite last time but can do better.
Last of all is a bumper for both professional and amateur jockeys (19.18). Killeedy and Myluckymaker have shown ability already and should be in the mix, while Rememberwhat finished close to Rocky’s Diamond in a hurdle race last time and should be considered here. This is an unusual move, though, and while the gelding clearly has ability, his bumper form is not so strong, so this is far from a done deal.
Kilbeggan selections - Thursday
15.30 - First Ascent
16.05 - Goeasyonme
16.40 - Splendid Fellow
17.15 - Demanding Gerry
17.48 - Not In A Hurry
18.18 - Blue Reed
18.48 - Peat Sounds
19.18 - Rememberwhat
This preview of and tips for the Kilbeggan card is brought to you by BetVictor Online Casino.