An Fear Rua - The Guvnor's St Stephen’s Day Selections

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Wed 23-Dec-2009 19:06

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The Guvnor

The Guvnor's St Stephen’s Day Selections

Due to the sheer amplitude of action taking place, it would not be possible for The Guvnor to give justifiable coverage to every race in Leopardstown, Limerick and Down Royal. Instead, the more in-depth analysis will centre on the action at the Dublin 4 venue but what would be the best hopes elsewhere round the country will also be pointed out. The first point that will be made is that Dermot Weld could very well be the man to follow at the foot of the Dublin Mountains. Rosewell House don’t send out too many in the National Hunt sphere, so when they do it is wise to take note. Dr Ronan Lambe owns all but one of the Weld representatives on the day and should get off to a flying start with Rite Of Passage in the 12:10. The Giants Causeway gelding finished second to Dunguib in his last two Bumper starts before scoring in the November Handicap on the Flat. Donnas Palm eight lengths back in second that day, but has advertised the form remarkably well since. Dr Lambe could again be in the winner’s enclosure after the second race thanks to Universal Truth. Though it may not be quite as clear cut for the Galileo progeny with Oliver McKiernan’s Whodoyouthink sure to throw down a stern challenge while the sight of Jim Bolger sending out a rare runner over hurdles – in the guise of the Galileo filly Kitty Hawk Miss – is also noted. Race number three on the opening day, the Juvenile Hurdle, could be the most intriguing. Noel Meade’s Cross Appeal is unbeaten over timber thus far, and although visibly idling when in front on his latest outing at Fairyhouse. The said idling allowed Dessie Hughes’ Action Master close to within three parts of a length. Gut feeling is though the Cape Cross gelding may have pulled out more if needed. You couldn’t but be impressed by how Alaivan opened his account for Eddie O’Grady when transferred from Flat duty with John Oxx though it may not have been the strongest heat and thus Meade’s charge may hold sway. The remainder of the card is a combination of average enough fare and minefields! The Beginner’s chase certainly falls into the latter. Every one of the contenders is there on merit. Sizing Europe has looked very impressive to date but again quality of opposition encountered must be taken into account. Captain Cee Bee made an admirable return following a long layoff and Bobs Pride is a decent sort on his day but one suspects better ground would be a help. Thus, to cut a long story short, Osana would be this pundit’s pick. Mr. Weld and Dr Lambe have other outstanding chances on the day with Almolahek in the Handicap Hurdle and Elegant Concorde in what looks a cracking Bumper while Tony Martin’s Ross Accord could be the one to beat off a nice weight in the Handicap Chase. But, to conclude, The Guvnor says ‘Try These Three’: Rite Of Passage (12:10 Leopardstown) Cross Appeal (1:20 Leopardstown) Osana (2:20 Leopardstown)The Guvnor...

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