Today’s jumps action is in Galway, where Drop The Anchor, trained for J P McManus by Pat Fahy, is napped to open his hurdling account in the Faber Audiovisuals Novice Hurdle.
Winner of a Listowel bumper more than a year ago and in the frame in two maidens last spring, this fellow shaped with plenty of promise on his return, after a summer break, at Listowel, where he finished a creditable third to Unexpected Depth in his second handicap start.
Back in novice company, Mark Walsh’s mount faces a few notable rivals today, including Dumhacha Thra, raised 9lb. for a handicap success over this course and distance last month and Joseph O’Brien’s Anything Will Do, successful on his debut in a Listowel maiden, but should be tough to beat.
The Gordon Elliot-trained Thatsy, winner of his bumper at Navan last February, appeals in the opening Mervue Maiden Hurdle, in which All Those Years and Battle Of Midway will provide stern opposition.
And despite a hefty 12lb. hike in the ratings for a smooth, wide-margin win in Roscommon last week, Aa Bee See should make a bold bid to follow-up, in his favoured testing conditions, in the Ballybrit Handicap Hurdle.
Peter O'Hehir's tips
2.05.Thatsy
2.35.Aa Bee See
3.10.Drop The Anchor (Nap)
3.40.Charlie Stout
4.15.Fine Brunello
4.50.Portmore Lough
5.20.Seanbhothar
Next Best
2.05.Battle Of Midway
2.35.Kansas Kid
3.10.Dumhach Thra
3.40.The Red Menace
4.15.Dis Donc
4.50.Effernock Lad
5.20.Goaheadwiththeplan
Double: Drop The Anchor and Fine bRunello.
O’Hehir’s Longshot: Damut (4.50.)
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