Industry is a byword for the products of Aidan O'Brien's yard and Monongahela can prove the virtue in it by landing tomorrow's Kellihers Handicap on the first day of the Tralee festival. This tough and consistent three year old ran only last Thursday evening when beaten a neck by Navan Project in a decent handicap and there were some who thought him slightly unlucky as the winner drifted in towards Monongahela in the closing stages.
Nevertheless, it was a typically game effort by Monongahela and he can gain the reward here, possibly at the main expense of the Tramore winner Maytpleasthecourt.
In contrast, O'Brien's Karakorum will be having her first look at a racecourse in the Ballygarry House Hotel Maiden and although the conditions of the race are hardly in the filly's favour, this daughter of Fairy King is quite well regarded at home and is preferred to another newcomer, Jim Bolger's Ski Instructor.
The Ballydoyle handler could in fact land yet another treble at a festival fixture this year when Female Lead goes under the talented Colm O'Donoghue in the Derrinstown Apprentice Handicap.
Female Lead contributed to O'Brien's Galway total when springing a surprise on the Thursday by beating Comedie Arrete by a short head at 20 to 1 in a 0-70 handicap. In contrast, she was a well-backed favourite last time at Roscommon but on soft ground trailed in a well beaten second to Bobbella.
The going should be better today and off only 7.11, Female Lead will be a tough nut for the likes of I Remember It Well and Troskie to crack.
Richard Dunwoody could be the jockey to follow in the first two races. Sentosa Star won her first chase easily at Ballinrobe last month and while the competition of the White Sands Chase tomorrow is stiffer, Sentosa Star jumped well for Dunwoody at Ballinrobe and the combination look an attractive bet again.
Stylish Allure would probably prefer faster ground than he will get in the Brandon Hotel Handicap Hurdle, but despite top weight, Dermot Weld's gelding will like the tight track and is preferred to Cinnibar.
