RACING: SOME EARLY, pre-festival Anglo-Irish sparring takes place at Sandown this afternoon where Alpine Eagle and Prince Of Fire cross the Irish Sea for the featured Imperial Cup.
Victram’s 2006 triumph in this race prefaced a historically successful Cheltenham for Irish horses, and both raiders this time help make up a strong challenge by champion owner JP McManus.
Tony McCoy managed to get down to 10.3 for last year’s McManus-owned winner, Qaspal, but faces no such struggle for Alpine Eagle, who represents Jessica Harrington and should relish drying ground conditions.
Paul Carberry is on the Charlie Swan-trained Prince Of Fire, while McManus’ colours will also be carried by Song Of Songs from Jonjo O’Neill’s yard.
“Alpine Eagle ran a good race in Leopardstown (MCR Hurdle) on what was his first run back after a break,” said McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry. “Jessica thinks he is in very good form and, while he has plenty of weight, we’d be hoping he’d run very well.
“Prince Of Fire has been disappointing and Charlie is just hoping the better ground might bring out the best in him.”
Andrew McNamara can make the most of today’s home action at Limerick. McNamara, fourth in the jockeys’ table with 58 winners, should get off to a flier this afternoon as Rigidity looks good to improve on his successful Gowran debut in the four-year-old opener.
Tadhg is another Edward O’Grady-trained runner with a chance in the two-mile handicap hurdle, while Turnonthegas should play a role for McNamara in one of the other handicaps despite a 7lb penalty.
Whatwillwecallher provided her tragic young jockey Jack Tyner with a memorable success on her last visit to Limerick in January and should prove hard to beat in the mares bumper.
Harpsy Cord was no match for Raptor at Punchestown but will be a major contender for the maiden hurdle.
