A CLOSE second to Leamhog at Thurles last week when making much of the running, Ballyrihy Boy should repay support in the Winter Novice Hurdle at Clonmel this afternoon.
A runaway winner of a bumper at Galway earlier, Ballyrihy Boy looks the type who will do well over fences. Before that, however, he should win his share of hurdles and can start today by beating Leamhog's stable companion, Blaze Of Honour.
Scobie Boy has been performing well over fences and while probably a shade flattered by his closeness to the useful The Carrig Rua at Navan when third, he appears to have a first-rate chance in the Templemore Beginners Chase. Malacca King, who recovered from early mistakes to finish second to Kharasar here last month, is an obvious threat to the selection.
Clifdon Fog made his only appearance of the Flat season at Leopardstown in October and ran quite well behind Flaunt in a handicap. Placed as a four-year- old in the AIG Champion Hurdle, he should start what could be a successful season by taking the Cahir Maiden Hurdle.
The top-weight in the Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle, Lady Daisy, is partnered by a 7lb claimer and on her best form would take some beating here; while Grange Court, fourth behind Leamhog and Ballyrihy Boy at Thurles, has prospects in the Nenagh Maiden Hurdle.
A 15-length winner of a bumper at Fairyhouse in February, Eduardo was a short-priced favourite to make a winning start to his hurdling career at the same venue recently. He never held out much hope of justifying his market position, finishing sixth of the 26 finishers, but that run should have him spot-on for the Powerstown INH Flat Race and he is a confident choice to beat Premier Walk.
. There were a total of 40 second entries for the 1997 Lexus Irish 2,000 Guineas when the race closed last Saturday. They include Bahare, the winter favourite for the Newmarket 2,000 Guineas, and In Command, the Dewhurst Stakes winner. Aidan O'Brien has entered Plaza de Toros, No Slouch, Sharemono and Gaultier Gale.
. Dr Devious, the 1992 Epsom Derby winner, is returning from Japan to stand at Coolmore Stud. A son of Ahonoora, his fee will be 12,500 guineas.
"We are delighted to be bringing hack from Japan an exceptional Derby winner who also had the speed to win the Dewhurst at two," said Christy Grassick, manager of Coolmore.
"There are very few stallions at stud today possessing the precocity, class and toughness to do this and we are thrilled that this horse is available to British, Irish and European breeders," he added.
. Adrian Maguire drew on all his skill and experience yesterday to stay aboard Lord Of The West in Leicester's Sycamore Handicap Chase after the gelding hit the final obstacle about halfway up.
"He got in deep but he was clever at it," explained a relieved Maguire, sporting the Arkle colours of Anne, Duchess of Westminster.
Lord of The West's win completed a double for Maguire.
