Sunday's Westmeath Foxhounds card at Castletown-Geoghegan features the first open lightweight race of the new season and could mark the return to action of last season's champion point-to-point horse Some Man who is one of 13 entries for the race.
Race 1 – Tattersalls NH 4YO Maiden
WASPY gained plenty of experience last May running three times during that month culminating in a narrow defeat at Dromahane on the final weekend of the season. That should leave him as the one to beat on his return to action.
Stable mate Painted Wolf is not as experienced having only run the once last season, but he was not beaten too far around a sharp track at Ballyknock, whilst Kap Chidley, Rock My Way and Iron Allen have all offered early promise.
Race 2 – 5&6YO Mares Maiden
DESERT HEATHER was never involved on her stable debut in a Downpatrick Beginners Chase at the end of August, but if her new connections can get her back to the form that saw her finish in the frame four times last season, she might be able to take advantage of a nice opportunity here.
Kalnoo posted her best track effort in an unplaced maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan in May and has to enter the equation for a race like this on her first start in the sphere, whilst Ballinclay Court, and Lough Na Fooey are others not without their chances.
Race 3 – Brosna Paints Ltd Winners of Two
MASTER SPLINTER has an alternative engagement in a weaker race at Toomebridge, but if his connections elected to come here instead he could well still be the one to beat having justified strong market support to open his account at Dromahane in May.
Both Garm Colombe and the locally trained Cappajune Lady are proven in this grade and are obvious threats alongside the track placed Rockys Howya who could have his first start for a new stable.
Race 4 – Galileo Chrome 5&6YO Geldings Maiden
HILLS OF GLORY posted three very solid efforts within a three-week period at the end of last season and after the summer break he may not have to step up much from that spring form to open his account in this race which has a very winnable look to it.
Shantou Moon and Old Style Humor have both finished in the money and look to have definite place claims.
Race 5 – Shortall Transport Open – Novice Riders
SOME MAN won no fewer than seven races last season on his way to being crowned champion point-to-point horse and undoubtedly sets the standard in the division.
Gordon Elliott won this race last year with Out Sam, the outsider of his two runners in the 2021 renewal, and in Its All Guesswork and the former Grade 1 winner Hardline he has two very interesting contenders this time around, whilst Visioman claimed some notable scalps when winning twice late last season and should not be dismissed lightly.
Race 6 – Mullingar Autos 6YO Maiden
KYLER KANE took a big step forward from his Curraghmore debut when he finished second in a big-field Borris House maiden back in March, and with two subsequent maiden winners coming out of that race, he could go one place better on his return.
Mick Mixy has already won a maiden but having since been disqualified is back in this company again having changed stables, whilst Gouazec and Le Mieux, who is much improved since joining Peter Flood are others with chances.
