Runabout to make up for lost time

Runabout was denied a run at Limerick with yesterday's card on the southern track abandoned, but the horse can make up for lost…

Runabout was denied a run at Limerick with yesterday's card on the southern track abandoned, but the horse can make up for lost time by taking the Analog Devices Handicap Hurdle tomorrow.

Proven on heavy ground and over the distance, Runabout has a lot going for him in his attempt to win three in a row and if ridden patiently, he can use his finishing kick to telling effect.

Another animal denied a run yesterday is Eugene O'Sullivan's Excuse Me Sir, who now goes for the Ladies Race on the flat. Excuse Me Sir is hardly the fastest racehorse around, but he thrives on the soft and that will count for more than anything tomorrow.

Scarvagh was the subject of a tidy gamble at Thurles earlier in the month, but got beaten by Lite N Easy. However, it was 25 lengths back to the third horse and compensation looks likely for the Michael Hourigan-trained animal in the bumper.

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Loquacious ran an eye-catching race to finish runner up to the highly-regarded Khairabar at Fairyhouse and can be backed in the opener, while the overall chase form of Pauls Runs looks good enough for the Beginners Chase.

Maid For Dancing won her first race for three years when taking the Duke of York Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal yesterday.

Maid for Dancing , who is trained by John Fowler, just managed to hold on by a neck from the 6 to 4 favourite, Noel's Dancer. Afterwards Fowler said: "Maid for Dancing won her maiden hurdle here at this meeting in 1994 and won again at Punchestown 10 days later. Since then, however, she has had her problems."

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column