RACING:JUST TWO of the nine runners for today's mile juvenile maiden at Listowel are fillies but Salhooda can strike a blow for the girls.
Pat Smullen’s mount returns to Kerry for her second career start after making an ultra-promising debut at Killarney last month when she found only Greek Goddess too good for her.
That was on heavy ground too. And the experience should be crucial to her chances of beating two Ballydoyle colts and Abu Nayef who was third to Galileo Rock at Leopardstown.
Smullen could also score in the other juvenile event with Johnny Lynch, who races in the colours of Noeleen McCreevy, wife of former minister for finance, Charlie McCreevy.
The €45,000 Lartigue Hurdle is always one of the festival highlights. And it could be that Wrekin Rock emerges best in the 18-runner heat for in-form Curragh trainer Jim Gorman.
Wrekin Rock will face hurdles for the first time since Punchestown but has been in good form on the level and may represent a touch of value in an ultra-competitive race.
What A Island was the 25 to 1 outsider of Val O’Brien’s pair at Galway last time.
However, he only just failed to reel in his stable companion, Ballygil Gale. Today’s three miles should suit him in the handicap chase.
