The Russian roulette that seems to characterise Tramore's attempts to race in January seem to have clicked favourably this time, with the seaside track hosting an eight-race card today. Twice the elements foiled the New Year's Day card, hardly surprising considering the track's proven vulnerability to wind. Nevertheless, their second January date looks to have escaped that fate with no inspection planned for today, a day when Paul Hourigan can continue to embellish an already burgeoning reputation.
The 17-year-old son of trainer Michael Hourigan had been earmarked for success for some time but recently he has impressed as much for his tactical nous as his natural riding ability. That can prove the crucial edge for Lettir Lad in the Directors Opportunity Handicap Hurdle. The Andrew McNamara-trained six-year-old has come into form in his last two races and he looks set to make it third time lucky. Lettir Lad followed up a staying on fourth to Bypharbeanri and the subsequent winners, Bahao and Mariners Reef, at Thurles in early December with a gutsy third to Total Success and Penny Native at Leopardstown last Saturday.
Lettir Lad kept going through the Leopardstown ground impressively which can only help him on today's heavy surface, and with Hourigan doing the steering, Lettir Lad is preferred to the unlucky Digital Signal.
Possibly the most interesting runner today is Ger's Royale, who goes over flights in the Kent Bros Hurdle. Pat Flynn has introduced a number of his smart flat horses to hurdles this season, including Gan Saru and the Cheltenham hope, French Ballerina. Ger's Royale, on his best flat form, rates favourably with any of them.
Unsuccessful on the level last season, Ger's Royale won five, including two Listed races in 1996, and at his best, if he jumps even adequately, he should have too many gears for Fawn Prince. Tramore may not be the easiest of tracks for novices but Ger's Royale is a hardened performer on the flat and should win this.
The form of Florida Pearl's impressive chasing debut win at Leopardstown over Christmas gets a test when two of that race's also-rans go in the second division of the Beginners Chase and the qualified rider handicap respectively.
Maybe calling Pat Hartigan an also-ran is a bit harsh, considering he started second favourite behind Florida Pearl on the strength of some smart hurdles form, but the fact remains that Conor O'Dwyer pulled Pat Hartigan up four fences out. Nevertheless, Arthur Moore's horse should strip fitter today and with the form Moore's string are in, Pat Hartigan to beat Sir John is the forecast.
In contrast, Boulabally kept on to finish seventh to Florida Pearl, and that run, combined with a fifth to Grey Guy at Naas and the presence of Ruby Walsh on his back, gives Tom Taaffe's horse that winning look in the Killone Handicap Chase.
Roundwood, runner-up to Liver Bird at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day, looks the one in the weaker looking first division of the Beginners Chase; while Guest Cailin can take the opener if improving slightly on her fifth to Daybreak Express at Naas.
Tommy Treacy's appeal against the 21-day ban imposed on him by the Navan stewards last Sunday will be heard next Thursday at the Turf Club.
