Eight races on Friday's Kilbeggan card
Racegoers are in for another treat at Kilbeggan Racecourse this Friday, with eight races across the evening; three maiden hurdles, three handicap hurdles and two handicap chases.
The evening kicks off with a four-year-olds’ maiden hurdle run over two miles and three furlongs (16.30). There are a couple of newcomers here; JP McManus’ Hurling Academy, whose dam was a useful racemare, and Green Grass, who comes from a largely Flat family. Kasper Hauser has been pretty consistent so far this year and makes some appeal, as does Monntie.
Next is another maiden hurdle run over the same trip (17.05). Ballyday Tysie is a newcomer but makes little appeal on paper. The Ciaran Murphy-trained Facile Ocean brings the best existing form, having placed on both of his two hurdle starts so far. Mysilverriverfeale has also placed in the past and might factor.
Race three is the first division of a handicap hurdle run over two miles and three furlongs (17.40). There isn’t a huge amount of good recent form on show here, but Donal Hassett’s Friar Hogan was a close second at Limerick last time and might factor here. Movie King has gone well at this track before and could be down to a winnable mark now.
In the second division (18.11), there is a better spread of recent performances. Dearg Mor could go well here but is probably better over a longer trip. High Notions has gone well here before, while 10-year-old Lariat is in a good strain of form at present too. Gordon Elliott’s Fabhcun should be watched out for, though.
Next is a handicap hurdle, again run over two miles and three furlongs (18.46). Gavin Cromwell’s In The Trenches has had a good year so far, winning at Downpatrick in June. He pulled up last time, but is usually better than that. Magic Day could go well in first time cheekpieces, but might be at the wrong end of the weights here. Tudorista may have a chance too, as might You Done Well.
Race six is a three mile maiden hurdle (19.21). Most of the eight runners are fairly well exposed at this point, except for Ruled By The Sun, who has run just twice in bumpers and debuts over hurdles today. O’Callaghan Can was third when trying hurdling for the first time and could be the one to beat here, but Installment has displayed similar ability and might be his main competition.
Our penultimate race is a two and a half mile handicap chase (19.56). Costacurta was a good second over this trip at Wexford last time and makes his handicap debut here today. Stablemate Freddie Robdal is a course and distance winner, though, and has a good chance with a seven-pound claimer taking the ride.
The concluding race is another two and a half mile handicap chase (20.30). There is little in the way of good recent form on show, but My Good Pal might be on a workable mark now. Lumineach could go well, but might prefer a softer surface. Love Like This may also stand a chance for John Ryan.
Kilbeggan selections - Friday:
16.30 - Kasper Hauser
17.05 - Facile Ocean
17.40 - Movie King
18.11 - Lariat
18.46 - In The Trenches
19.21 - O’Callaghan Can
19.56 - Freddie Robdal
20.30 - My Good Pal
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