Maguire set for double

The old team of Michael Hourigan and Adrian Maguire return to one of their favourite hunting grounds, Kilbeggan, this evening…

The old team of Michael Hourigan and Adrian Maguire return to one of their favourite hunting grounds, Kilbeggan, this evening and could make the most of it with a double.

Hourigan has an enviable record at the midlands track over the years and his six-year-old Danaa Minni looks capable of notching up a quick double in the Foster and Allen Handicap Hurdle.

It was only on Sunday that the Caerleon horse drew clear before the last to win a handicap at Wexford, beating Whispering Spur by two lengths, with the Tralee winner, Act Of Defiance, only third, and despite a 6lb penalty looks up to winning again.

Hourigan and Maguire team up with Mr Jeeves in the opening maiden hurdle. This looks to be another quite trappy contest, with Star Of The Orient and Threeway close on Naas bumper form in June and Dustin carrying a home reputation that his Galway bumper defeat doesn't reflect.

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Mr Jeeves should come on from a third to My Hand in a bumper here last month and could be a touch of value.

Another course specialist looks the one to be on in the handicap chase. Donie Hassett's Taits Clock beat Winning Charlie by two lengths in an opportunity chase here over two miles and five last time out and before that won over the same course and distance when beating Ship Of Shame impressively by 14 lengths in a beginners' chase.

The merit of that effort can be gauged through Ship Of Shame, who looks to have a good chance of landing this evening's beginners' chase, and Taits Clock is selected to beat another course winner in Moonvoor, and Jims Choice.

Racing opens with a three-runner novice hurdle and preference is for Paul Carberry's mount, Marsul, who holds Union Town on their running behind Musical Mayhem at the Galway festival.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column