Naas - 28th October 2006 (DK)

The most informative day of Irish racing so far this season!!!

Today we see one of the hyped horses make his debut over hurdles in the first, Catch Me. After winning two flat race in April, this is what the trainer said:

20 Apr 2006 Tipperary (14Hy,RPR103)
He's a very nice horse and will either run next in the Vintage Crop Stakes or go out on grass. I think he's a Sun Alliance Hurdle horse and that's the way we will be planning. He jumps well - Edward O'Grady, trainer

09 Apr 2006 Curragh (16Y/Sft,RPR102)
He's done well since coming to us and he could run in the Vintage Crop Stake before going on his holidays. He should make a very nice hurdler in time. - Edward O'Grady, trainer

So it comes as no surprise that he is a short priced favourite, with the added bonus of Barry Geraghty in the saddle, he'll be well fancied, but don't forget he'll be better over further in time.

The main opponent seems to be Jessica Harrington's Desert Abbey, on and NHF form you'd give him a chance, but in all honesty, it'll take some horse to beat Catch Me.

The Grade 3 chase is surely a watching event in all honesty. With Southern Vic bound to appreciate a return to 3 miles, if betting it could be worth looking elsewhere.

Zum See's last run was impressive enough, but with question marks about whether the blinkers will work the oracle again, and also the ground likelier to be on the easier side. Macs Flamingo is another who may appreciate further and better ground, but do take note he has won on soft ground over 2m before, the same applies to Slim Pickings who has not be tried over this trip in more than ten runs, so it could be worth having a nibble on Lakil Princess. Best seen when dominating a small field, she could be overpriced for this informative affair.

Another Cheltenham possibility in Leading Run takes his chance in the 3.25, and with that run under his belt, it could be argued he's possibly upto winning this carrying them over the line, but this is a better field than at first glance. Eternal Lady seemed to be jumping well enough last time out, and with Magnier off, that has to be a plus, and with proven stamina and ability to kick from the front, she'll be hard to get past. Another of note is The Boxer Roche, if not running for a handicap mark, his NHF form is good enough to give Leading Run a race. Whatever happens, if Leading Run wins this race, he'll be over priced for the RSA, as this is a very good novice hurdle.


All in all today is watching brief in all honesty.

Southern Vic will appreciate the run and will be a betting proposition over further, Catch Me needs to prove he jumps, and Leading Run has a test of credentials here in a decent field. The AntePost market for the RSA could look very different come 3.35pm.