Today is the first day of Bellewstown Racecourse’s two-day October meeting, and the card hosts seven races; four handicaps and three maidens. The venue is in Ireland’s top four best value for money racing venues, as determined by the Racing Post Price Index.
Read on for a full preview of the Bellewstown card, courtesy of Boyle Sports, who provide all the latest horse racing odds.
We begin with a claiming maiden run over a mile (1.38). Just Jump may be an interesting one to watch here, stepping up significantly in trip from six furlongs last time out. The Colin Keane-ridden Late Night Talking could be nicely weighted and, therefore, have as good a chance as he had to win this season. Meanwhile, Glenevies may be expected to take a step forward after a mid-field finishing debut at Punchestown over a furlong and a half further in September.
A mile handicap follows (2.13). Takeachancejimmy was only narrowly beaten over course and distance in April and, now six pounds below that mark, might be capable of a big run here for Nigel Slevin. Mogwli has a 10-pound claiming rider in the saddle, which he might make the best of, while Nibras Rainbow appears to be at a workable mark still, based on a good second of 15 last time out on heavy ground at Listowel.
Race three is another mile handicap (2.48). Tofino could be tempting if he proves to take to the softer ground, while Ado McGuinness’ Comfort Line should have a fair chance after a narrow defeat last time at Fairyhouse. With excellent soft ground credentials, Still She Blooms looks quite convincing in this context, and could be right there at the sharp end under Robbie Colgan.
Next is a five-furlong maiden for horses aged three and older (3.23). Glory To Be brings the best recent form, having placed on three occasions this term, and is equipped with blinkers for the first time today. If they take effect, she could win this easily. Arklow Lad is less well-exposed, but looks to be the second best, while Snowballs might be able to improve for a place as well under Nathan Crosse.
Following is a handicap, also over the minimum trip (3.58). Escaping Thejungle won over course and distance last time out in August and has been given time to freshen up, so could be a main player once again today. Kilmood Susan’s latest run was too bad to be true, so we can discount it and she could be in line for a place here for Daniel Murphy.
Second to last is an apprentice handicap run over a mile and a half (4.33). Duke Of Leggagh should have a shout here, after a handful of good recent displays over this trip and a mile. With four pounds from Terry Casey in hand here, he could be competitive. With Robyn Donaghue-Leahy taking the ride, Breathe Again looks positive, running on the same mark as her last two starts, both of which were decent efforts. She goes well on softer ground and enters calculations.
The finale is a maiden over the same trip (5.08). Bobby Kirova is the newcomer here, while Eastern Blue Bird switches codes from the National Hunt scene here. Both are quite easy to look past in this company, though, with Jessica Harrington’s Lifting Sails bringing by far the best form figures to the table. Dermot Weld’s Kasgani could be worth considering, though, having gone well on this sort of ground before and could be surprising under Chris Hayes.
Bellewstown selections – Wednesday:
1.38 – Late Night Talking
2.13 – TakeachanceJimmy
2.48 – Still She Blooms
3.23 – Glory To Be
3.58 – Escaping Thejungle
4.33 – Duke Of Leggagh
5.08 – Kasgani
