He Joseph O’Brien-trained Dlauro can make a successful start to his hurdling career in today’s BetdaqTrading Tools Maiden Hurdle in Punchestown.
The French-bred six-year-old was purchased for no less than £410,000 at the Cheltenham Sale.
Dlauro didn’t make his racecourse debut for over a year, appearing, in the colours of Australian Lloyd Williams, in a Thurles bumper last May.
And, a significant market drifter, ridden by Derek O’Connor, he bolted up, beating Ballymacaw by 11 lengths.
The selection looked an exciting prospect that day, was subsequently bought by JP McManus and, from a yard which houses a number of smart novices, he’ll be expected to retain his unbeaten record here.
The opposition includes the well-regarded, Jessica Harrington-trained Sizing Pottsie and an interesting Willie Mullins recruit, Fils Spirituel, winner of a French bumper last spring.
Mullins and Paul Townend should continue on their win- ning ways with chasing debutante Dorrells Pierji and the long-absent Minella Encore.
Dorrells Pierji, winner of bumpers in Wexford and Galway, scored twice over hurdles, in Listowel and Galway and he has always struck me as a horse to realise his potential as a chaser.
He starts his chasing career in a rated event, against a few solid performers. But if he takes to chasing as well as I anticipate, he’ll be tough to beat.
A dual bumper-winner, Minella Encore makes a belated return to action in the INH Stallion Owners Maiden Hurdle.
Successful at Fairyhouse and Leopardstown in his bumper days, this King’s Theatre gelding hasn’t run since finishing fourth to stable-companion Blackbow in a Grade 2 bumper at Leopardstown in February 2018.
He won’t lack for fitness on this hurdling bow and gets the vote over Noel Meade’s 123-rated Momus, off the track since April, and the Mouse Morris-trained Foxy Jacks.
Tips
12.40. Aspire Tower
1.10. Dlauro (Nap)
1.40. Minella Encore
2.10. Askann
2.40. Dorrells Pierji
3.10 Guided By You
3.40. Daphne Moon
Next Best
12.40. Weather Alert
1.10. Fils Spirituel
1.40. Momus
2.10. Shantelle
2.40. Whisperinthe breeze
3.10. Frabkly All Talk
3.40. Aione
Double: Dlauro and Dorrells Pierji.
O’Hehir’s Longshot: Robin de Roost (3.10.)
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