RACING:AIDAN O'BRIEN'S Kingsbarns was introduced into the betting at around 14 to 1 for the 2013 Investec Derby after an impressive victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Navan yesterday.
The Galileo colt holds Classic entries next season and while those dreams are still some way off, he could hardly have made a better introduction.
Having settled nicely for Joseph O’Brien, he moved up stylishly before hitting the front two furlongs out. The 4 to 11 favourite drew clear without being asked a serious question to beat Risk Return by seven lengths.
“He travelled very well but he didn’t have a clue what to do when he hit the front,” said Joseph O’Brien. “He didn’t even know how to canter back after the race and I had to trot him back. I think he is high class but I don’t know if he’ll run again this year.”
Meanwhile Tramore must inspect at 8am today ahead of the seven-race card. Steady rainfall has seen the ground turn soft at the Co Waterford circuit. The main cause for concern, however, is an adverse overnight forecast.
Noel Meade is likely to be double-handed in the Ladbrokes.comMunster National at Limerick on Sunday as he attempts to claim the race for the second successive season.
Cross Appeal and last year’s winner Muirhead could represent the Co Meath handler in the valuable three-mile chase. “Cross Appeal won the Paddy Power (at Leopardstown) last year and ran fourth in the Galway Plate,” said Meade. “Galway probably wasn’t ideal for him as he likes plenty of jumping – he jumps really well. He’s in really good form, I’m very happy with him. Muirhead won it last year but he’s gone up a bit in the weights.
“If the top weight (Bob Lingo) stays in, everything will be okay, but if the top weight comes out, we’d have to think whether we run or not. Both of them are in great shape and I’m sure both of them will give a good show.”
Meade’s prayers look like being answered as Bob Lingo, the Galway Plate winner, is on course to carry 11st 10lb.
Trainer Tom Mullins also has Fosters Cross engaged, but he is more likely to run in the Irish Cesarewitch at the Curragh on the same day.
Meanwhile, trainer David Nagle has given Maarek an option of Sunday’s Mick Ramsey Lifetime In Racing Achievement Waterford Testimonial Stakes at the Curragh in case conditions are not in his favour at Ascot in the following week’s Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes.
HORSE Racing Ireland have announced two replacement fixtures after Tipperary were forced to abandon their scheduled meetings on October 8th and 9th. The Curragh will now host a Flat card on October 16th, when admission will be free for all racegoers, while Tipperary will stage a National Hunt meeting on October 22nd.
