Canadian Steel, already a three-time winner at Downpatrick this summer, might be capable of adding to his commendable course record in today’s hannontravel.com Handicap Chase at the County Down track.
Trained by Noel Kelly in County Derry, this ten-year-old has proven his versatility and has looked better than ever this year, winning four times and finishing in the frame in his other four outings since May.
The Craigsteel gelding has struck up a formidable partnership with Jody McGarvey, who has triumphed on him three times and, back in trip today, this hold-up horse might swoop late for further success.
Successful off a mark of 85 at Downpatrick in May, he followed-up, off a 9lb. higher mark in Tramore before finishing only fourth to one of today’s rivals I’m An Izz Wizz at this venue - he’s 7lb. better off today and his rival has been beaten twice since.
Meanwhile, Canadian Steel, switched back to hurdling, went on to score twice on this track, off marks of 82 and 89 before cruising into the lead before being collared late by Fu’s Island in Tramore last week.
A good jumper and, for that reason, probably better over fences, Canadian Steel is racing for the second time off a career-high mark of 102 but, suited by a strong pace, he had rock-solid claims.
Trainer John Ryan, who suffered a major blow when stable stalwart Draycott Place had to be put down in Killarney on Friday, might enjoy better luck with Summer Hill in the Dr Logan Memorial Giltspur Scientific Handicap Hurdle.
An impressive, seventeen lengths winner of his hurdle over this course and distance, he was far from disgraced when finishing third behind Everybreathyoutake and Doctor Duffy in a ‘novice’ at Killarney last Wednesday and, off 106, he should go close in a race where Bracka Lily, up 8lb. for a recent course and distance success, looks the chief threat.
This track’s leading trainer in recent seasons, Gordon Elliott has plenty of chances throughout the card, with Jaunty Warrior, on his stable debut, in the Charles Caldwell Memorial Maiden Hurdle, arguably his most interesting candidate.
This Gigginstown-owned seven-year-old, bought for £60,000 soon after winning a bumper at Ffos Las in March 2017, must overcome a lengthy absence but should be noted.
The consistent Make My Heart Fly, third to Wicklow Brave in Galway before flattering to deceive when beaten by Humm Baby at Kilbeggan lats time, might make it fifth-time-lucky over fences in the Maneerat & Vincent Caldwell Wedding Anniversary Beginners Chase.
Elliott’s Cats For Cash, rated 107 but limited, might belatedly open his hurdling account in the opener while the Willie Mullins-trained Pencreek, beaten fifteen lengths when third to Druim Samhraidh on his debut in Ballinrobe, might take the bumper.
Peter O'Hehir's tips
2.15.Cats For Cash
2.50.Musical Ava
3.25.Summer Hill
4.00.Jaunty Warrior
4.35.Make My Heart Fly
5.10.Canadian Steel (Nap)
5.45.Pencreek
Next Best
2.15.Wendy Howell
2.50.Greenandwhitearmy
3.25.Bracka Lily
4.00.City Limits
4.35.Wonderoftheworld
5.10.Just A Normal Day
5.45.Mystery Stowaway
Double : Jaunty Warrior and Canadian Steel.
O’Hehir’s Longshot : Little Haarth (3.25.)
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