The two-year-old crop go into virgin territory this evening at Bellewstown, where the Tattersalls Maiden is the first race run over a mile for juveniles this season.
The trip puts a degree of uncertainty over any predictions, but the presence of the Goffs Challenge runner-up, Alabama Jacks, and some interesting newcomers could allow Norex to go off at quite a decent price.
The Ger Hourigan-trained filly acted as if the step up in distance would suit her admirably when third at Roscommon last month. That was over seven furlongs, and after being headed just after half way, Norex rallied to such effect that it was only inside the final furlong that she surrendered to Hayes Hotel and Daring Imp.
Alabama Jacks has some very decent form and was running on best of all behind the impressive Rolo Tomasi at the Curragh on Friday. However, he must give weight away to the selection and gives the impression that the mile might just be a problem.
Rolo Tomasi's trainer runs Lefty Fugerri, who can't be discounted, and of the newcomers there is good word for Danny Power. A debutant will have a difficult first assignment in this context, though, and with Eddie Ahern taking 3lb off the experienced Norex's back, she is the selection.
Ponda Rosa steps back a furlong for the ONC Handicap but she won with such authority at Cork on Tuesday evening that she looks set to go in again if allowed take her chance.
Another horse that won impressively easy last time was Southern Man, at Clonmel. Frances Crowley's young horse was eased to finish seven lengths clear of Sandra Louise in a handicap and could be still ahead of the ratings.
An Modh Direach came from a fair way back to finish second to Our-Dante at Tipperary and is preferred to Miss Gamble in the opener, while Polenka, beaten by Bhutan at Cork on Tuesday, is marginally preferred in the McShane Handicap.
