The jumps action continues at Bellewstown Racecourse on Saturday evening with a competitive seven-race card, consisting of a mixture of maiden, novice and handicap hurdle races, plus a bumper. Read on for a full report of the Bellewstown card, courtesy of BoyleSports, who offer the latest Galway Festival odds.
Starting off the evening’s proceedings is a four-year-olds’ novice hurdle run over two miles and a furlong (5.30). Black Gem is tried in this code for the first time having started his career on the Flat without much success, but is entitled to be a different horse over hurdles. Course and distance winner Chortal looks set to go well once again having been given time to freshen up, but Noel Meade’s yard is in such good form that his top-rated Mick Collins looks very difficult to get past here.
Race two is a maiden hurdle for those aged five or older, run over two miles and a furlong (6.00). Ponderosa Lady makes her first racecourse appearance here but, with a seven-pound claimer already employed, she doesn’t promise much at present. Gavin Cromwell’s De Temps En Temps looks a very likely candidate, having run two good races over hurdles this term, though Encosta is better off in the weights with a mares’ allowance and could be our winner here, having been a close second last time out at Listowel.
We remain over the same trip for the next race; a handicap hurdle for those aged four and older (6.30). Liz Doyle’s mare First Dare usually runs a good race and could be well treated today, especially given seven pounds by her rider, although Stuntman Steve, who beat her by over a length last time out, could be primed to make this back-to-back wins under a seven-pound claimer.
A mares’ maiden hurdle is next over two and half miles (7.00). Gordon Elliott’s Fillusin looks the best of them as things stand, but Iamyouare might make some progress from a decent debut in May and turn out to be a useful type. Finishing ahead of her on that occasion, though, was Mrs Mc Go who, given five pounds by Alex Harvey, has a solid chance here.
Race five is a two and a half mile handicap hurdle (7.30). Gavin Cromwell’s Cois Fharraige looks to have plenty in his favour here and, though he was a beaten favourite last time out at Sligo, could justify a short price in this company. Avandra also should be a player here if her first-time cheekpieces take effect. Klassman, who operates on good ground, might be the one to beat, however.
The penultimate race is a three-mile handicap hurdle (8.00). Our Soldier won last time out but has been raised eight pounds as a result, which appears harsh, so it looks unlikely that he will oblige again here. Boston Jury should be a better candidate, having run well for third of 13 last time. Tullyveery Lad is better on good ground over this trip, so might be one to keep an eye on for a place.
The bumper brings the evening’s racing to a close (8.30). Of the sixteen runners, four are newcomers; An Realt Is Gile, Bold Rhyme, Dreamersgame and Governors Rock, with Bold Rhyme possessing the most promising pedigree. Kershaw might turn out to be a good horse, having placed in his sole point-to-point start, but Noble Name looks the most likely winner of them all with a seven-pound claimer on board.
Bellewstown Selections – Saturday:
5.30 – Mick Collins
6.00 – Encosta
6.30 – Stuntman Steve
7.00 – Mrs Mc Go
7.30 – Klassman
8.00 – Boston Jury
8.30 – Noble Name
