A drop in trip and the application of a hood can see Linden Arden strike again in the featured Ishka Handicap Hurdle at Limerick on Thursday afternoon.
The Jet Away gelding, a son of top race-mare Solerina, went to post a short price on his last outing at Thurles early last month but could only finish third that day behind Rowdy Romeo.
He was always just doing a bit too much throughout the race then and having looked the likely winner turning for home he faded on the run to the last.
That came over almost three miles and dropping back to two-five on Thursday should suit better. With the hood on hopefully he settles better at a stronger pace.
Off the same mark of 121 there looks scope for a further win at this level.
The in-form mare, Aodhan May, is an obvious danger in the race.
She has already rattled off a hat-trick this year and ran a fine race in defeat when second to Sir Bob at Cork last time.
Obviously the handicapper has been trying to get her level and another 4lb rise for her runner-up effort three weeks ago makes life a bit tougher again.
Sarah Beara ran well when third here on her last visit and is another that has to come into the mix in a decent contest.
In the preceding maiden hurdle over the same trip Coming Up Easy can take advantage of a drop in class.
The Califet gelding has been running in some hot races over the winter and this looks like an easier opportunity now.
He was sixth in a Navan bumper on his ‘track’ debut behind subsequent Grade One winner Farren Glory and finished seventh in a good maiden hurdle, won by Albert Bartlett hero Stellar Story, on his hurdling debut at the same course.
When last seen he fell around halfway in the maiden hurdle won by the brilliant Ballyburn at Leopardstown over Christmas and has been given a bit of time since.
He doesn’t face the same calibre of horses now and has shown enough to make him the one to beat in this kind of company.
In the opening juvenile fillies’ maiden hurdle Jeaniemacaroney can go one better after a good runner-up effort at Cork three weeks ago.
She has been placed three times now over timber and this looks like her best chance of making the breakthrough.
SELECTION NEXT BEST
2.00: Jeaniemacaroney Doctor Nightingale
2.35: The Big Cloud Jay Pee M
3.10: Ballycallan King Starman
3.45: Coming Up Easy (Dbl) On Lovers Walk
4.20: Linden Arden (Nap) Aodhan May
4.55: Malinas Glory Getaway Master
5.25: Lady Gooner Neon Diamond
