Following a rare Autumn fixture at Stradbally back in December, the Laois Foxhounds return with their traditional May meeting which is sure to suit those Good-ground horses.
Race 1 – Tattersalls Ireland 4YO Maiden
Having been unable to live with Anyharminasking at Tipperary on his debut, MYSTIC MAN did keep on to finish a creditable third on that occasion which would seem to be the strongest single piece of form on offer here.
Ballycamus is a horse that was showing potential prior to his late departure in Cork and would certainly be of interest, whilst Graveside Lad finished fourth in an auction race on his debut.
Race 2 – Maher Stone & Park Engineering 5YO Geldings Maiden
MOSSY BE LUCKY has already proven his like for Good ground when a close second at Monksgrange back in September and although not having run since then, he is sure to be of interest at this venue.
Garde Des Champs was unable to hit the heights that he had raced to throughout the autumn campaign when running in a point-to-point bumper at Cork on Easter Monday, however he could bounce back here. Tim Pat, Ocovic and Marias Lad can also enter the mix.
Race 3 – Egan’s Off-Licence, Portlaoise 5YO+ Mares Maiden
ROSE OF COOLBALLY was an eye-catcher when making her debut around Dromahane in December as she chased home the subsequent Hunter Chase-third Clounts Glory.
She has not been seen since, having been taken out of a Tipperary point-to-point bumper due to the change in going, but she could make a winning return here.
Endless Escape is a decent opponent after showing nice progression to finish third in Tipperary, whilst Clearly Crazy, Conningbeg, Miss Mcgugen, Ambitious Getaway and Mulberry Hill ensure that his has a competitive look to it.
Race 4 – PC Racewear Mares Open
THE FORGE HILL got the better of the re-opposing Sliabh Mhuire Lass earlier in the campaign, however their pair have enjoyed contrasting fortunes in the Hunter Chase sphere recently – most notably with the latter winning at Tipperary.
It will be interesting to see if they finish closer here, with Kind Witness adding another element to the race as she has been in great form since reappearing for Michael Griffin and can get involved also.
Race 5 – The Lalor Family & INHSC Supporting Point-to-Points 6YO+ Geldings Maiden
DR SHIROCCO posted a number of very respectable efforts over hurdles during the point-to-point suspension which has earned him a current handicap mark of 97. That would entitle him to win on his return to the pointing sphere having gone close on two occasions in the autumn.
Precious Bounty has the ability to get involved but needs to bounce back with Bru Boru another with the potential to have a say in this.
Race 6 – D.J. Dunne & Co. Accountants & Auditors Winner of One
TAREESHAR ran a big race in defeat behind one of the seasons leading performers in the winners division in Ask Dman at Broughshane last Saturday and he could quickly follow up here.
Loughrea winner Subset ran respectively in the Ladies Cup before finishing behind the selection at Down Royal which would leave him with a bit to find here.
