DERMOT WELD has a couple of interesting runners at Fairyhouse on Thursday, with Morselle particularly so in the six-furlong three-year-old rated race.
This Khalid Abdullah-owned filly showed the benefit of her Gowran debut run when winning nicely on the all-weather nine days ago, but faces another Dundalk scorer in Johnny Murtagh’s Hunt, while Ardhoomey has been knocking on the door for Ger Lyons of late.
But Morselle won in the style of a filly that could go on to better things this summer and might prove too good for these.
Weld then runs Mutadhamen in the seven-furlong median auction maiden. He struggled at Killarney and faces a serious threat in the Ger Lyons-trained challenger Chenega Bay, who has filled the runner-up spot the last twice – at Limerick and more recently at Navan behind Jensha Lake.
Weld arguably saves his best for last with Postulation in the 10-furlong rated race, with that dual winner up against Sandro Botticelli, who struck on his introduction at the Curragh in April for Aidan O’Brien and looks the major threat.
Underexposed he might be, but while he was not considered for the Epsom Derby, he does hold an entry for the Group Two King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot. He might well outpoint Postulation but on the evidence we’ve seen so far I’d rather be with the Weld colt in this four-runner contest.
At the entry stage O’Brien had five of the 14 entries.
Ballydoyle have just one other runner on the card, the 79-rated Terracotta, which finished last on her latest effort, but still has leading claims in the 10-furlong fillies’ maiden.
She contested a Group Three at Leopardstown on her latest start and while she failed to land a blow, she is back on a sound surface now and amongst much lesser fillies.
Weld’s unraced Fastnet Rock filly is undoubtedly of interest along with Alertness and Marie Celeste, but Terracotta has a big chance and Ana O’Brien’s 7lb claim is useful.
Lyons has two runners in the opening two-year-old auction maiden, with Mint Chai marginally preferred to Aldo Raine, though Bolger runs Naas third Escondida and Mick Halford has hopes with his Dundalk runner-up Miss Phillyjinks.
Bolger also gives Greanta another chance over 10 furlongs in the apprentice handicap, after the Intense Focus filly ran on for fourth over that trip at Clonmel behind Breenainthemycra.,
But she has a couple of in-form rivals to contend with. Rockview Emperor has been hugely consistent this term and House Limit has been hammering on the door at Dundalk while remaining on his 53 mark. Flowing Air is another to consider.
