Weekend Preview | The Pigeons

Race 1: Groarke Partners Solicitors 4yo Mares Maiden

The luckless METHODTOTHEMADNESS is certainly deserving of a change in fortunes, as she came down in the closing stages at both Monksgrange and Necarne last season, having shown very promising signs. She was upsides Robin Des Sivola when the pair exited at the last at Necarne, and with Robin Des Sivola having already won the opening race in this division at Toomebridge a fortnight ago, that is a huge form boost. The Colin Bowe due of Takingitallin and Quivvy Lough have both filled the runners-up spot on their latest two outings and are the obvious dangers.

Race 2: Tattersalls Ireland Cheltenham Sales & The Three Jolly Pigeons, The Villager & Grogans of Glasson 4yo Geldings Maiden

BUSINESSMAN bypassed some potential engagements on the opening weekend of the season, and while he remained in his stable with Denis Murphy, the form of his debut at Largy received a boost with the success of Golden Nomad at Toomebridge, a horse that he comfortably finished six lengths in front of. That is strong form coming here. Loughanmore final fence faller, Lone Rocket, and Loughrea-second, Onthefrontfoot, could represent Donnchadh Doyle and have claims, as too does Highate Hill, who ran well for a long way at Oldcastle.

Race 3: Hugh Campbell Solicitor 5yo Mares Maiden

Track recruit ASK HEATHER comes into her pointing debut with a mark of 94 over hurdles following good efforts at Punchestown and Tramore earlier in the year, and she could prove tough to beat on what is also her first appearance for the Declan Queally team having switched yards over the summer. Meadowview, who shares the same breeder as the selection, returned from two years on the sidelines to make her debut for a new yard late last season. Her three subsequent starts have seen her take a big step forward, finishing placed on each occasion. Last Sunday she was only touched off by less than a length at Loughrea and is clearly in good form. Early Toomebridge faller, Maliboo, is next best.

Race 4: Walderstown Service Station Open- Novice Riders

EDDIES MIRACLE could make a quick reappearance here having returned a beaten favourite at Moira last Saturday in a tactical three-runner affair. He should be an improved sort with that run under his belt. Samanntom won the Tinahely Ladies Open on this weekend 12 months ago and finished placed in five of his seven subsequent starts making him out as a consistent horse. Whilst the ex-Tom George performer, Some Are Lucky, could make his open debut for Sam Curling, who has already saddled an open winner this term.

Race 5: Sean Dunning, Victuallers and Frank Daly & Associates 5&6yo Geldings Maiden

THE ECHO BOY has changed ownership after finishing second at Dromahane last May when he proved his liking for good ground, and he sets a decent standard here having moved from James Motherway to the Dermot McLoughlin yard. Getaman took a step forward at Toomebridge a fortnight ago, and would have finished closer but for a mistake at the last, whilst Gaye Breeze and Glorious Galway are others that have to be considered.

Race 6: O’Roarke Bros Confined Hunt Winners

LEOS DESTINATION will look to go one place better than his dam managed in the 2011 renewal of this race, as she finished a close second under Jamie Codd. He has every right to do so, and is the most unexposed in the race, having won his one and only start to date at Necarne. Didarro is the most recent winner of this race, having taken the 2017 renewal, and he drops back from open company, whilst the mare Cubanera is a dual winner can get involved in this.