Philip Fenton’s long-term absentee Last Instalment features among 17 entries for the Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles next Thursday. The nine-year-old was last seen winning his second Grade One in the Dr PJ Moriarty Chase almost two years ago in February 2012.
Fenton has adopted the softly-softly approach with the dual Grade One winner but has had this race in mind for some time. Willie Mullins has entered Arvika Ligeonniere, Prince De Beauchene, Rupert Lamb and Twinlight. Nicky Henderson has added further spice to the pot by handing the mare Ma Fileule an entry. Stablemate Une Artiste may run in the Grade Two Coolmore NH Sires EBF Mares Novice Chase on the same card.
Last year’s Arkle runner-up Baily Green, Grade One winner Quito De La Roque, the Noel Meade duo of Texas Jack and Realt Dubh and Gordon Elliott’s Roi Du Mee and Toner D’Oudairies add further strength to what looks a fascinating contest.
Meanwhile, Maontri will bid for a quickfire double at Dundalk tonight, as she tackles the Floodlit Friday Nights Rated Race. The seven-year-old ran out a seven-and-a-half-length winner over a mile at the track last Friday and she will be racing off a 15lb higher mark this time.
'In great form'
Trainer Matty Tynan admits her hike in the weights was one of the factors in turning Maontri out again so quickly. "She's in great form but we were disappointed with the rise in weights she got after her win the last day and we hadn't much choice but to run her here," said Tynan..
“We had her in the pool for most of the week and she’s nice and fresh. We’ll try to dictate the pace with her again as she’s normally quick out of the stalls and also won from stall eight the last time.
"I think she has enough pace for seven (furlongs) and I'm hopeful of a good run."
n Irish raider Brendan Brackan (Colin Keane) ploughed earnestly along the far rail and was a worthy third to the Saeed bin Suroor-trained Shuruq in round one of the Group Two Maktoum Challenge at Meydan yesterday.
