The value of a first run can prove itself again at Roscommon today with Dabtara, who looks set to land the Tully Maiden for the Aga Khan, John Oxx and John Murtagh. This filly made her debut at Galway last week when managing to finish only fifth to her stable companion, Renge, in an apprentice race. Dabtara showed understandable signs of greenness and appeared to take a while to understand what was expected of her.
Certainly, she seems to have some ability, as there was quite good word for her at Galway, and with the benefit of that experience, Dabtara should go much closer today. It's also significant that the stable jockey has elected to ride her in preference to the two other Oxx-trained horses in the race, the newcomer Afragha, and Sarapaka, placed second to Shi-Ar at Fairyhouse last month.
Paul Carberry has had a fine summer riding at home, and this multi-talented rider can be on the double today. He rides Mister Chippy for Aidan O'Brien in the Tulsk Handicap Hurdle and this Tramore winner can be another to improve from a run at Galway last week.
There, Mister Chippy ran on particularly well under a strong Charlie Swan drive to bustle up Try For Ever, who had looked to be cantering all over her field at the last flight. It was only then that Mister Chippy appeared on the scene, after having been scrubbed along at the rear of the field by Swan down the backstretch. The fact that it took Mis- ter Chippy so long to get into top gear is a slight worry but he should be up to beating Rescue Time here.
Carberry rides the consistent Legitman for Enda Bolger in the Beginners Chase, and while this horse is no world beater, he is a hardened professional who may have too much experience for An Tain Shioc.
Declan McDonagh looks a significant booking for Pat Hughes's Beal Na Blath in the Derrinstown Handicap. Beal Na Blath won over 10 furlongs at Clonmel, beating Granuale by an impressive four and a half lengths, but this longer trip shouldn't be a problem and he looks progressive enough to win this, probably form Eddie Ahern's mount Bobbella.
Aidan O'Brien can notch up a double in the bumper, where Magic Dancer and go one better than his second to the smart Taoibhin at Tipperary, while Kopain is marginally preferred in the opener.
King Of Kings, the much vaunted one-time 2,000 Guineas favourite, is on target to make his next appearance in Sunday's National Stakes at the Curragh.
"We're very happy with him and he's in good form," trainer Aidan O'Brien said before outlining other Ballydoyle juvenile plans. The Coventry Stakes winner Harbour Master will take his chance in next Saturday's Group One Prix de la Salamandre at Longchamp.
