RACING: Tom Foley knew some remarkable days with Danoli in the 1990s, but the Co Carlow trainer might just have got his hands on another potential star in Royal Paradise, who has the second start of his Irish career at Naas today.
Formerly trained by Francois Doumen in Chantilly, Royal Paradise was judged good enough to take his chance in last season's bumper at the Cheltenham festival. He didn't figure, but Foley saw enough to make inquiries.
The result was a recent hurdling debut at Roscommon which saw the raw novice edge out Wild Passion by a head over what looked a wholly inadequate two miles.
Foley ups Royal Paradise almost half a mile today for the novice hurdle, and Conor O'Dwyer takes over in the plate from Mick Fitzgerald.
Although still only a four-year-old, the extra distance should be right up the horse's street, and Foley should know exactly where he stands with Sunami Street, who beat Sans Souci Bay at Gowran. Mac Three sets a 120 standard on the ratings, but Royal Paradise should still continue on his upward curve.
Limestone Lad's absence from the Brown Lad Hurdle throws the handicap wide open, and maybe Friends Amigo can come on enough for a flat run at Listowel to go close.
However, if that's the most valuable race of the day, there will be just as much interest in the fencing debut of Mark The Man in the novice chase. Sickness interrupted this horse's novice hurdle career, but he still showed enough to create a huge home reputation.
Tipperary All Star is a Stakes performer on the flat and reportedly has schooled well ahead of his jumping debut in the opener, while Albert Mooney looks a horse of real potential and should win the bumper.
Conditions will also be testing at Clonmel tomorrow, where Tom Taaffe will be hoping Man About Town can at least get further than he did on his hurdling debut.
The JP McManus-owned horse came down at the first and propelled Barry Geraghty onto the injury list. If he stands up, however, there is a bumper run behind Forty Licks and Homer Wells last winter that suggests the novice hurdle should be within Man About Town's grasp.
Sans Souci Boy could also have it in him to complete a memorable weekend for the Foley team in the opener tomorrow.
