Racing/Bellewstown preview: The turf records show that at the beginning of the last century there were no fewer than seven racetracks in Clare but there has been no racing under Rules in the county since Miltown Malbay became a Second World War casualty in 1942.
However, despite the absence of any local sport Irish bookmakers entertain a hearty respect for an area of the country that can produce trainers well capable of landing shrewdly executed major gambles far away from home.
Family names such as Costello and Hassett tell their own tale while the most recent to add his name to this listing of "frighteners" is Joseph Quinn whose address, Sixmilebridge, recalls to mind a racecourse that shut its doors 100 ago.
Quinn goes for a double at Bellewstown this evening when targeting the two divisions of the Anglo Printers Handicap, the sponsor producing the Bellewstown racecards.
Set Barabbas Free scored twice last year and had no luck behind Black Turtle at Tralee while stablemate Dunsinane ran at Tralee two days earlier when sixth to Potsdam.
One does not normally associate Edward O'Grady with a five-furlong sprinter having achieved most of his major successes under National Hunt Rules but his team includes one this year, Miller's Weir. In what was his first outing in 2004, he scored a deserved if narrow win from Amber Nectar Two at Tipperary.
Speaking of narrow margins, the handicapper could expect an enhanced Christmas bonus after his work on another five furlong race, the Mooney Hotel Group Handicap at Down Royal a fortnight ago. Of the 11 that lined up seven were destined to be involved in a multi-photo finish in which three short-heads and three necks covered the group.
Luceball (1st), Janadam (2nd), Bahrain Gold (3rd), Paris Sue (5th), Marie Gracia (6th) and Freya (7th) will all take on Miller's Weir and if Paris Sue gets away on level terms , she could be the best of the Down Royal six.
Christy Roche completed an Irish 2,000 Guineas and Derby double on Desert King and his teenage son Padraig has a choice mount in the final Qualified Riders Race. This is Imoya, a mare by Desert King, and with Padraig Roche exercising his 7lb claim, she will be carrying only 10st 2lb. On her second last run she was a close fourth to Jade Quest in the Vintage Crop Stakes at Navan over a similar distance.
