DANCE BEAT, an intended runner in next week's Guinness Galway Hurdle, has her preparatory race this evening when she contests the County Wexford Publicans Apprentice Maiden.
Such was the form she showed on her only previous outing on the Flat, at Leopardstown back in May, that she should not need to be at her sharpest to come through this challenge. For in the Saval Beg Stakes Dance Beat was taking on such experienced rivals as Humbel and I'm Supposin and at the finish was beaten less than two lengths.
Needless to say, none of her rivals this evening have managed anything remotely approaching that display and this looks another winner for Paul Hourigan, who is swiftly making a name for himself.
Glowing Lines led throughout at Killarney and the extra two furlong of the Harp Lager Handicap should pose no problems. Niyampour, who chased home Glowing Lines in that Killarney race, heads the weights for the Guinness Galway Handicap Hurdle. He is at his best on drying ground and may be capable of conceding the weight to Gale Hampshire.
Hotel Minella, the topweight for the Guinness Galway Handicap Hurdle, is to miss the race. This means that the weights will be raised by at least 12lb. The nine year old's stable companion, Minella Lad, was yesterday taken out of the Digital Galway Plate.
Dazzle, the brilliant winner of the Cherry Hinton Stakes, may be asked to export her talent to France for her next start. Next year's 1,000 Guineas favourite was earmarked for the Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket by namesake owners the Cheveley Park Stud following her Newmarket win. But connections revealed yesterday that the Michael Stoute trained star could race before that in the Prix Morny at Deauville on August 18th.
