Bellewstown Racecourse presents its latest Flat meeting on Tuesday evening, consisting of eight races; three maidens and five handicap contests. Read on for a full preview of the Bellewstown card, courtesy of Boyle Sports, who provide all the latest horse racing odds.
The action kickstarts with a mile maiden for horses aged three and over (4.25). The majority of the 15 runners have previous form, the best of which on offer is that of John McConnell’s Spanish Princess, who has been only narrowly beaten on both her starts so far this term. There should be little in her way here, but Joseph O’Brien’s debutant Julia Domna has a very promising pedigree and is certainly of interest for a yard who are bang in form at present.
Next is the first division of a mile handicap (4.55). Sayfa Fad makes her stable debut for Paul Flynn today, now at a tempting looking mark, and the change of scene may have been beneficial for her. Hell Left Loose is upped in trip under a 10-pound claimer, having been soundly beaten over six furlongs last time, and the extra distance looks promising for the nine-year-old.
The second division follows (5.25). Mister Garvey ought to be involved under Colin Keane, while course and distance winner The Bog Bank might be able to pick up a place having slipped a further pound down the handicap since a midfield finish last time. Drish Melody returned to action quite well after a long spell on the sidelines at Gowran Park, and a step forward could be expected here, especially given a step back in trip.
A three-year-olds’ mile handicap is next (5.55). This is a competitive affair, despite a small field size of eight; both Tofino and Shahada Ace seek back-to-back wins, while connections of Empress Artemis will be hoping she can break a run of seconds in what ought to be easier company, but Rizal looks a very likely candidate for the win here, having run a strong race last time out at Galway, finishing third of 16. He may be our winner today for Johnny Murtagh.
Race five is a five-furlong juveniles’ maiden (6.25). Spiced Gold and Land Of Spirit are the only newcomers here, and are probably best watched on this occasion, while the most exposed runner is The Right One, who has placed in maiden company on three occasions. Given that he hasn’t yet managed to win a race, it might pay to side with a more progressive horse, such as Plushy, who improved on her debut last time at Cork, and is given a handy three pounds by her rider.
Our sixth race is a five-furlong handicap (6.55). Gavin Cromwell’s Skillman Ave was far below his best last time at the Curragh, and that run can be ruled out, and his usual better form considered. Under Gary Carroll he should factor. Best Suggestion could run a big race too, having slipped a pound in the weights lately, but Fair Taxes looks a likely type here, now two pounds below his last winning mark and with a helpful draw.
The penultimate race is a mile and a half fillies and mares’ maiden (7.25).Ballerina Boxer switches codes from the National Hunt sphere for the first time today, so remains an unknown quantity on the Flat. Tswalu will be disappointing if not managing to win today for Joseph O’Brien, having placed on her last five appearances in maiden company, but Aidan O’Brien’s Gifted may turn out to be just that if she improves on a fair debut last month.
Finally, the evening’s racing concludes with a handicap over two miles and an extended furlong (7.55). Gordon Elliott’s Zanahiyr should be able to make light work of this under a seven-pound claiming rider, having been last seen winning over fences at Galway and displayed plenty of ability on the Flat in May at Killarney too. Walking On Glass could be a good each-way option in first-time blinkers too.
Bellewstown selections – Tuesday:
4.25 – Julia Domna
4.55 – Hell Left Loose
5.25 – Drish Melody
5.55 – Rizal
6.25 – Plushy
6.55 – Fair Taxes
7.25 – Gifted
7.55 – Zanahiyr
Above pic; Suzanne Collins Photography
