The glut of comparatively mediocre racing continues this weekend with three meetings at home headed by today's Gowran fixture where Storm Cove is napped to score at the second time of asking.
Storm Cove's reputation before making her debut at Leopardstown 10 days ago was anything but mediocre. Well supported in the market, she challenged the highly touted Tortoiseshell for favouritism and although accounting for her, Storm Cove couldn't get to grips with the front running Floating Agenda who beat her by a length.
The winner had the benefit of a run and although Tortoiseshell did nothing for the form at Fairyhouse on Wednesday night, Storm Cove should have come on for the run and can now use her experience in the June Maiden to beat the newcomers which include Aidan O'Brien's Touch Of Magic.
The 14 furlongs of the McEnery Cup should be right up the alley of Beneficent and with Michael Halford's horse also having the benefit of Shane Kelly's 5lb claim, Beneficent is taken to beat the terribly unlucky San Sebastian.
That latter has been disqualified from first in his last two runs and while it would be particularly cruel lightning that would strike a third time, Beneficent put in an eye-catching effort when runner-up to Look West over an inadequate nine furlongs at Fairyhouse.
San Sebastian's trainer Michael Grassick could have better luck with Final Reminder in the Brickana Handicap while if Livin' Joy lasts out the trip in the Norevale Handicap Hurdle, he should account for Viking Buoy and Choice Jenny.
The £6,000 Stanley Handicap Hurdle at Tralee is the most valuable race over the two meetings tomorrow. After the defeat of The Holy Parson and Ontheboil at Navan last time, That's My Wife's claims to the pot look solid.
An even more secure betting option however could be Pixie Dancer in the preceding maiden hurdle. Paddy Prendergast's four-year-old has been a little frustrating to follow but the balance of his form gives Pixie Dancer the beating of River Cora and Malacoda.
The in-form John Murtagh can continue the run with a double on The Director in the Ballybeggan Handicap and on Woodwin whose last run behind Idle Rich and Kitza indicates that she should win the Ardfert Maiden with her head in her chest.
Over at Sligo, jockey Liam Cusack could score a double of his own. Cusack rides Pauls Run in the Beginners Chase and while it may be dangerous to just take a Heineken Gold Cup third placing too literally, it would be unwise to be too sceptical either. Cusack can also take the opening maiden hurdle with Miss Gamble who warmed up for this with a decent enough effort when fifth to Candarelli over 12 furlongs on the flat at Roscommon.
