Michael Halford’s 93-rated Finans Bay should get off the mark in the Manguard Plus Maiden in Leopardstown today.
The lightly-raced Kodiac colt has looked progressive in his three starts. And a reproduction of either of his Curragh efforts should be enough here.
He was an 80/1 shot when finishing a creditable fourth to Delphi in a Curragh maiden in late June, form well-advertised by the winner, now a listed and Group 3 winner, and other subsequent winners, runner-up Carrytheone, Mr Wendell and The Rain King.
Last time, Finans Bay bumped into Carrytheone again, this time failing by a half-length to peg back Johnny Murtagh’s charge, again over a mile at the Curragh.
With a rating of 93, over this longer trip, he should take plenty of beating.
Meanwhile, odds-on favourites Jon Snow and Buildmeupbuttercup should continue the rich vein of form being enjoyed by Willie Mullins and Paul Townend on Day 2 of Killarney’s August Festival.
Both horses performed in Galway and, although it can be claimed that neither is totally trustworthy, Mullins has found good opportunities for them in today’s early action.
A dual-winner over hurdles, Jon Snow justified 2/7 favouritism in a weak novice at Ballybrit and, with a rating of 140, looks head and shoulders above his six rivals in today’s opener.
Buildmeupbuttercup hasn’t triumphed since winning the amateur maiden at last year’s Galway Festival.
A six-year-old mare who rarely puts her head in front, 1143-rated Buildmeupbuttercup has been found an ideal opportunity to regain the winning habit in the listed GMHD Mares Hurdle for Mullins.
Peter O’Hehir's tips for Leopardstown
12.55 Sister Rosetta
1.30 Cosmic Vega
2.05 Roca Roma
2.35 Aced It
3.05 Finans Bay (Nap)
3.35 Es tepona Sun
4.05 Lord Park
Peter O’Hehir's tips for Killarney
4.15 Jon Snow
4.45 Buildmeupbuttercup
5.15 The Mouse Doctor
5.45 Line Out
6.15 Crazywork De Vass y
6.45 Act In Time
7.15 Purple Mountain
