OFF TO THE MIDLANDS NATIONAL
I take in my first Irish Midlands National tonight at the Kilbeggan racecourse. That name might sound familiar to the whiskey connoisseurs amongst you. The town’s local distillery produces traditional Irish whiskey mainly for export but the locals are known to like a drop or two of the strong stuff!
The Kilbeggan Midlands National is growing into a very popular mid-summer meeting generously sponsored by Michael O’Leary’s owned Gigginstown Stud with over 32k for the winner. Having taking a quick glance at the card a few days ago the horse that jumped off the page was Tom Horn owned by JP McManus. Paddy Power priced him up at 8/1 last night but that was snapped up quickly and he is only available with a couple of bookies at 5/1 currently.
Tom Horn is very short in a 17 runner handicap with four places on offer the place. If you are looking for the most likely winner he is your horse but I will be backing one elsewhere at a value price. I can imagine Michael O’Leary would love to win this race at his local track and enjoy it all the more for beating a JP owned animal!
Eye Catchers that ran over the previous Week and weekend 13th/14th July
Ahtoug – Trainer Saaed Bin Suroor – Jockey Joe Fanning
This was a very promising first run since taking a break after racing in Meydan last January. He was drawn the wrong side in this valuable Class 2 handicap over 5 furlongs but stayed on nicely to take fifth only just over two lengths behind all the way winner Masamah. He was not give an overly hard ride on his seasonal debut and is sure to improve for this run. This five year old has only raced 13 times and can improve beyond his current rating. He is one to keep an eye out for at Goodwood in a valuable class 2 handicap.
Highland Colori – Trainer Andrew Balding – Jockey Liam Keniry
A very big run from Highland Colori to finish 6th in the Bunbury Cup. The highly drawn horses had a good edge in this race so he did very well considering his draw of stall 5! He has been unlucky here and on his previous start at Ascot where the race trip and draw have not been kind to him. He looks well capable of winning one of these big class two handicaps when conditions turn in his favour at a good working man’s price.
Slade Power – Trainer Eddie Lynam – Jockey Wayne Lordan
Slade Power is a mere four year old sprinter but is improving with racing following an injury at Ascot late last year. This was just his second Group 1 appearance following a good effort at the Royal Ascot Meeting. The spring division is ultra-competitive and to finish placed with horses like Shea Shea, Society Rock & Sole Power for company shows he is capable of winning at Group 1 level. The handicapper takes a similar view and has raised him 6 lbs. for this run to a new career high of 115. He may not be finished progressing yet and if avoiding Lethal Force can grab a Group 1 success.
Weather Watch – Trainer Jessica Harrington – Jockey Shane Foley
Despite being scrubbed along with five furlongs to run this lazy type kept on well before pulled out and asked for maximum effort up the finishing straight. He quickened well and drew clear full of running at the line. He is improving fast and loving the step up in trip. When asked if he could go for the big amateur race at Galway, Harrington replied: “That could be an option”. He might find that race a little harder to win following a 16lb hike by the handicapper though!
Best of luck,
Nicky