Trust Patrick Sarsfield to prove his class by defying the handicapper in the €80,000 Nasrullah Handicap in Navan tonight.
Joseph O’Brien’s charge, a strapping Australia gelding, was hugely impressive when landing what looked a competitive recent Leopardstown handicap by five lengths.
Despite a hefty 15lb hike in the ratings, he might still be capable of annexing this prize before stepping into stakes company.
Formerly with Eddie Lynam, Patrick Sarsfield was a beaten odds-on favourite on his stable debut at Cork last autumn, but made amends three weeks later in a Curragh maiden.
Off 86 at Leopardstown last month, he looked a winner throughout and powered clear in the straight to slam Charcor by five lengths.
Now, he must defy the 15lb rise. But, already proven on slower ground, he still looks the most progressive horse in the field and is a confident choice.
Dangers are numerous, including Irish Lincoln fourth, fifth and seventh Saltonstall and Onlyhuman and Tauran Shaman.
Then there are the top six finishers in the Ragusa, over a mile and a half, at the Curragh last time – Edification (winner), Tartlette, Kasperenko Major Reward, Latoyah Of North and Insignia Of Rock. But Patrick Sarsfield should be very tough to beat.
Jessica Harrington, in superb form following doubles at Leopardstown and Tipperary on Wednesday, might strike again with top-weight Protagonist in the Royal County Handicap.
Like Patrick Sarsfield, this fellow, trained last year by Jamie Osborne, must defy a chunky rise up the ratings, having jumped a total of 16lb for recent wins at Gowran Park and Fairyhouse.
But I suspect there is more to come from the son of Wootton Bassett and, if he handles this easier surface, Shane Foley’s mount might complete the hat-trick.
Peter O'Hehir's tips for Navan
4.40. Hazel
5.10. Puerto De Vega
5.40. Face Off
6.10. Misty Millie
6.45. Guido Reni
7.15. Protagonist
7.45. Patrick Sarsfield (Nap)
8.15. Thosedaysaregone
