Pat Martin's Magic Annemarie started her career on a high note when defying a slow start to take third place to one of Aidan O'Brien's juvenile stars last year, Klinsman, at Naas and just behind her were Ministerial Model (fourth) and Buncrana (fifth); both of whom have won this season. She subsequently found a maiden race beyond her talents but ignoring her last Ballinrobe run when she was almost knocked down, there is a sound case to be made for her in the Heineken Handicap at Sligo this evening on her previous run.
Then racing for her owners, the Impact Syndicate, she kept on well in the last furlong to finish fourth of 16 to Tinker Amelia. Less than two lengths ahead of her and giving only 8lb was Norwegian Blue who at Leopardstown on Monday won the first leg of a memorable training double for Martin Brassil when he picked up a brace of £20,000s.
The O'Malleys are always to be reckoned with on the western circuit and the topweight, Swan Lake, has to be rated a prime danger to Magic Annemarie after a near miss against Paris Model at Naas.
There is a western ring also about the ownership of Tom Joad who runs for the Clarenbridge Syndicate and Enda Bolger looks to have found an easy race for him in the bumper. With Ruby Walsh aboard he looks a nap to upgrade a short head defeat by Correal Owl at Ballinrobe. A furlong from home he was no good to be placed but he flew home.
Castletubber Lady was declared last night and if she turns out again, she would be hard to beat in the Royal Exchange Pub Handicap, while Always True has not been over valued in the Cleveragh Claiming Race on a fair run at Gowran Park behind Saratoga Springs.
Aidan O'Brien is in pole position in the Chanelle Veterinary Leading Trainer Award after the recent Galway Festival meeting. O'Brien is on 52 points, 17 clear of his nearest rival Dermot Weld (35 points). The overall winning trainer, which will be decided after the September three-day meeting, will receive the Chanelle Perpetual Trophy and £2,000, with the runner-up receiving £1,000.
