Friday preview

The 2010 flat season gets under way in rather low-key fashion with an evening meeting at Dundalk, but before then there is some excellent jumping action in prospect at Thurles.

Ground conditions had deteriorated significantly by the end of yesterday’s meeting at the Co. Tipperary venue, and as a result the emphasis is likely to be on stamina in the rescheduled Nas Na Riogh Novice Chase. Arkle Cup hero An Cathaoir Mor is the headline act in the Grade 2 event, but life will not be easy with his penalty and Jagoes Mills and Kempes – neither of whom were in the original field – provide stiff opposition.

The form of Lurgan‘s second to Telenor at Navan in December was hansomely boosted by the winner recently, and though Dessie Hughes’ charge disappointed at Limerick next time the stable is in better form now and he could be worth another chance in the 3m beginners chase. Warcraft and the very useful P’tit Fute stand in his way.

Pat Smullen, who is determined to wrestle the flat jockeys’ crown back from Johnny Murtagh, jets in from Dubai to ride for boss Dermot Weld at the polytrack fixture and the pair hold several obvious chances.

Another former champ, Declan McDonogh, partners the evening’s hotpot in the 2m maiden. Oliver McKiernan’s promising young hurdler Whodoyouthink should take plenty of beating, though Hans Crescent is capable of making a race of it.

Categories: Horse racing