LIAM FLEMING, successful on Middleofthenight at Downpatrick yesterday, may be back in the winner's enclosure after he has partnered Bai Brun Kate in the opening event, the Horse and Jockey Novice Hurdle, at Thurles this afternoon.
On her most recent start, at Navan, Bai Brun Kate raced in the first four throughout and it was only approaching the last that she ran out of steam. She still managed to be a creditable third, a place in front of the subsequent winner, Maryobee, with one of today's opponents, Windy Bee, fifth.
At Limerick at Christmas, BaiBrun Kate finished three parts of a length behind the winner, Miss Orchestra, to whom she was conceding 8lb. The swing in her favour today, not taking Heming's valuable claim into account, is 15lb, and so her claims are obvious. She is taken to win from Colm's Rock and West Leader.
Woodville Star jumped spectacularly well at Navan in December and seemed to have the race at her mercy until jumping left at the second last and surrendering the lead to Dun Belle, who beat her again at Limerick at Christmas. She is worth another chance in the Golden Novice Chase, in which Blaze Of Honour is a clear danger.
Tom Taaffe has his horses in sparkling form and his Arctic Buck, a neck second to the shock winner, Keelson, at Gowran, may notch another victory for the stable by again finishing off the third horse, Gentle Buck, in the Thurles Beginners Chase.
Since finishing second to Be Home Early over hurdles at Clonmel, Mount Druid has been successful in a bumper. The seven year old now contests the Cashel Maiden Hurdle, to be run over 22 furlongs. In what will be a real test of stamina in the heavy ground, the Callernish gelding may outstay Mags Super Toi.
Lafontd'or, Danoli's half brother, has been showing some promise in bumper events and could get off the mark by taking the opening division of the Clonoulty INH Flat Race. The second division is left to Back To The Nest, third in a Naas bumper to MountDruid.
