LIMERICK PREVIEW: DROMIN HILL ECHO is on a hat-trick mission at Limerick this afternoon and can score for local trainer Charles Byrnes in the handicap chase, writes Brian O'Connor.
The seven-year-old has won his last two starts over three miles at Thurles but drops back a quarter of a mile for today's race. That shouldn't be a problem for Dromin Hill Echo and neither should the 4lb penalty for winning at the pre-holidays meeting at Thurles.
Another recent winner hoping to go in again will be Smack That in the two-and-a-quarter handicap hurdle. The Co Wicklow trainer Philip Rothwell has been making an impact in handicaps in recent weeks although he also picked up a €3,000 fine from the Turf Club at Limerick on Saturday after Rockers Field's victory.
Smack That is 6lb higher in the ratings for winning at Navan earlier this month and is certainly being kept busy having run a good fifth to Ross Accord at Leopardstown yesterday. But the Rothwell team are in such good form it is hard to oppose them.
Mouse Morris sends Tinakellylad for the opening maiden hurdle and this one's form has already got a course boost at the weekend. Tinakellylad ran third to Quiscover Fontaine at Gowran on his last start and the latter impressed here on St Stephen's Day.
Sorrentina boasts a 97 rating in the mares maiden hurdle but hasn't been in good form on her last couple of starts so it could be worth taking a chance with Charlie Swan's Ella Watson.
