Racing: The let them run approach of Michael and James Bowe is highly refreshing, cottonwool being a product of whose existence they are obviously ignorant. In a word if the horses are well they run even if they have to take on one another.
Solerina and Florida Coast clash yet again in the John Harney Bookmaker Qualified Riders Race at Tipperary this evening.
At the most recent Curragh meeting when the distance was the full two miles the Bowe pair finished first and third. They were divided by Handel who started favourite at even money on the basis of an official rating of 107.
However, Solerina who was getting just over a stone set a typical catch me if you can gallop and although Handel moved into second place three furlongs out, he could not sustain the effort and Solerina drew away in the straight to win by six lengths.
Top Strategy may have finished third in the Triumph Hurdle but in the latest National Hunt ratings he would be in receipt of 31lb over hurdles instead of conceding 5lb as is the case here.
While it can be a costly exercise attempting to transfer hurdle ratings to the flat, Handel for his part discovered that Solerina is a tough nut with or without a dozen flights of hurdles on the way.
Joyce can become Aidan O'Brien's second juvenile winner from three runners so far this season by taking the opening two-year-old maiden.
Likewise the trainer and jockey associated with Joyce could also claim the Irish Stallion Farms Fillies Maiden with Lucky.
This daughter of Sadler's Wells was made favourite over seven furlongs at Leopardstown but after striking the front outside the distance she weakened to finish third to Megec Blis.
That did not equate with the usual standard of Leopardstown maidens and the future may show that Lucky has lived up to her name if on this occasion with a run under her belt, she gets the better of the John Oxx newcomer Brighterside.
