An entire scuba set may not be necessary on the rain-drenched ground at Galway today, but from the way they were finishing yesterday flippers would be a useful accessory. Oakler may not have those, but he does appear to act on the very soft and is taken to win the featured Smirnoff Handicap Chase.
The Frances Crowley-trained gelding is something of a family pet, having been reared by the Crowley family as a foal when the dam died. For a long way he looked capable of giving the 25-year-old trainer the finest moment of her career so far in the Galway Plate.
That long way ended at the third last when Oakler made a horrible mistake which ended his chance. Before that he had won on soft ground at Tipperary, and, after a decent break since his last run over the course and distance, Oakler should come here relatively fresh.
A clear danger at his best would be last season's smart novice Fiddlers Tune, who won on the very soft at the Punchestown festival over two-and-a-half miles. He hasn't run since, however, which must put a question mark against him in these testing conditions.
Of the others, Risk Of Thunder and Heist are worth considering, but Oakler is preferred.
Balla Sola also established his credentials on a soft surface when runner-up to Golden Rule over 10 furlongs at the Curragh in June, but then disappointed in the McDonogh Handicap over this course in July. He drops even further back in distance today for the Vintners Race over seven, but his stamina will be handy and he had the speed to win twice as a two-year-old last season.
Sunday Venture looks one to keep on the right side of in the opening maiden hurdle. Well-supported to win here on Monday, he managed to get himself well behind coming down the hill but then flew home once he met the rising ground. Pat Kelly puts blinkers on Sunday Venture now and they could make a winning difference.
Willyever was another fast finisher here on Monday behind Tame Deer and looks worth following in the Trappers Inn Handicap, while Kid Vid has some form on heavy going and is worth following in the bumper.
