Declan Queally’s relatively new recruit Lord Schnitzel is sure to attract plenty of attention in the finale as 129-rated chaser who has featured in Grade 1 company and at the Cheltenham Festival in the past.
Race 1 – Milestone Stables 4YO Mares Maiden
If bypassing an alternative engagement at Oldcastle on Saturday, DIME STORE COWGIRL could be tough to oppose following a fine second at Ballingarry back in May, when crucially 13 lengths in front of the potentially reopposing Redbridge Rosie.
Music Of Tara, stablemate of the selection, would be an interesting newcomer if she was to be the chosen runner from the local Colin Bowe stable, ahead of Tintern Abbey who has not been seen since finishing third in a small-field point-to-point bumper at Punchestown in March.
Race 2 – Tattersalls Ireland 4YO Geldings Maiden
MUSIC DRIVE is from a family full of winners and his connections will be out seeking compensation here after he came down at the final fence in Tipperary last April when still holding every chance. He could prove tough to oppose on his return.
Stable companion Dont Walk Away showed promise for a long way at Kirkistown and is sure to have improved whilst Ballycamus will be appearing for a third time and has the benefit of experience.
Race 3 – Monbeg Stables 5YO+ Mares Maiden
Following two consecutive placed finishes at the start of her career, SEVENOFUS disappointed on her return from a break at Lisronagh in the spring but would be the marginal selection if bouncing back to her best in what is a race that has a very open look to it.
Diana Prince and The Very Lady are others looking to put recent disappointments behind them, which may leave the Stradbally final fence faller Psalmninetyone as the real alternative.
Race 4 – Baltimore Stables & Ballyboy Stables 5YO Geldings Maiden
Placed at Ballingarry at the end of last season, COASTGUARD STATION returns to the pointing fields following a summer track campaign which culminated in his best effort when second in a maiden hurdle at Ballinrobe in August. Cheekpieces were applied on that occasion and the 102-rated hurdler could make his recent race fitness count here.
Bronaghs First could be his biggest threat alongside the newcomer Calvic who hails from a stable to be respected.
Race 5 – Ballywalter Farms Open
Bishopscourt Cup winner Rewritetherules is back pointing and should prove a more effective prospect, however he is held by SOME ARE LUCKY on their meeting at Turtulla last November and he may be the one to side with again. The Sam Curling-trained ten-year-old is going in search of his tenth victory between the flags.
Samanntom is proven in the conditions but also has form to overturn with the selection, which may leave the reigning Champion Mare The Forge Hill as the danger as she beat geldings on this card last year.
Race 6 Kilcannon Stud & Jason Higgins Sportshorses 6YO+ Geldings Maiden
Unusually for an older maiden, Declan Queally could run a 129-rated Grade 1-placed chaser in LORD SCHNITZEL. The eight-year-old has contested the Thyestes and races at the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals in the not too distant past to suggest that he would be the one to beat on just his second start for current connections.
Getaway Lodge was not beaten too far on this weekend last year when running on Good ground at Monksgrange and is the obvious danger.
