Sport

Aye Aye can Skip to a treble

CONNECTIONS have decided to strike again while the iron is hot with Aye Aye Skipper as he bids for a quick hat-trick at Bellewstown.

The Johnny Levins-trained gelding struck at Killarney seven days ago, having caught the eye with an unlucky run previously, and followed that up in good style at the Curragh last Sunday. With the five-year-old due to run off a 4lb higher mark in future it makes sense to turn him out again as he didn't look to have a hard race at the weekend.

To offset another 5lb penalty talented claimer Donagh O'Connor is back on board having partnered the gelding to success in Killarney. He still looks on a relatively nice mark compared to his ratings in the UK last year and can reward his connections shrewd planning.

The one horse that could be a big danger is Tagg's Island, who ran all over the place at Killarney last week but still managed to finish second to Maknificent. He remains on the same mark and if he can plot a straighter course this time he's entitled to go close.

Sophie's World will be hoping for a trouble free run this time having been absolutely murdered on the rail at Galway last time. She was sent off favourite for a competitive contest then and was still travelling when she ran out of room over two furlongs from home.

The decision to step her up in trip now looks a plus as she had been staying on well on her previous outing on the Flat at Leopardstown.

Vale Do Sol, who won a Navan handicap in good style, last month could be a threat despite a 10lb rise for that effort while previous course and distance winner Ebadani also looks one that could have a big say.

The concluding conditions race has attracted some smart types but there are a few question marks over a few. Bantry Bay was unlucky at Ascot but disappointed at Roscommon last time and doesn't convince with his high head carriage.

Manalapan was a decent sort last year and is top rated with a mark of 105. The fact that he hasn't run in over a year is a concern though.

The safest bet may be Chapter Seven who has run two solid races recently, chasing home Leger favourite Order Of St George at Down Royal before finishing a fine third behind Dark Crusader at Galway.

Calm Bay landed the five furlong handicap at this meeting last year with ease and is back off the same mark 12 months on while Cash Or Casualty has been knocking on the door recently and can gain a deserved win in the first division of the seven-furlong handicap.

GARY CARSON


4.05pm: Ample Suffiency


4.35pm: Dream Craft


5.10pm: Cash Or Casualty


5.45pm: Aye Aye Skipper (nap)


6.15pm: Shanghai Beauty


6.45pm: Calm Bay


7.15pm: Sophie's World (dbl)


7.45pm: Chapter Seven Manalapan

NEXT BEST


4.05pm: Mint Chai


4.35pm: Valac


5.10pm: Tsar Paul


5.45pm: Tagg's Island


6.15pm: Sugar Mill


6.45pm: Catwilldo


7.15pm: Vale Do Sol


7.45pm: Manalapan