AN ORIGINAL blank racing day to coincide with the All-Ireland final is now filled by an all-flat Ballinrobe fixture that could turn out to be a profitable exercise for the Dermot Weld-Pat Smullen team with Rite Of Passage.
One of last winter’s top bumper performers, Rite Of Passage has a first ever flat start in the 14 furlong maiden and a horse capable of finishing third to Dunguib in the Cheltenham festival bumper should be able to land a race like this.
The danger could be a regally bred filly making the trip to South Mayo from Ballydoyle. Waltz, a daughter of Sadler’s Wells and the Breeders’ Cup runner-up l’Ancresse, ran second at Tipperary on her last start and should come on from that on quicker ground.
Weld and Smullen secured a valuable winning bracket for Silver Shoon at Listowel during the week and today’s opener could be a similar story for Carefree Smile.
The well-bred Invincible Spirit filly hasn’t run since May but boasts an 85 rating that theoretically at least gives her a top chance in the nine furlong maiden.
John Oxx is another trainer looking west for a valuable success as Dabeina has just the second start of her career in the nine furlong conditions event. The Aga Khan-owned filly won her sole start to date on the all-weather at Dundalk last year and Oxx’s perseverance with her looks significant.
Patrickswell put in a fine effort at Dundalk to only just fail behind Lord Kenmare and could be hard to catch in the first handicap.
