STEPS TO FREEDOM has gone two-and-a-half years without winning a race but should break that losing streak at Kilbeggan on Friday.
Jessica Harrington looks to have found a good opportunity for the nine-year-old, who has been a consistent dual-purpose performer without hitting the target in the last couple of seasons. He ran on nicely when third at Galway on his last outing and a repeat of that performance should be enough to see him open his chasing account.
This trip looks ideal for a horse that stays well on the Flat and he also appreciates the forecast good ground.
Pink Coat, who has been knocking on the door recently over fences, looks an obvious threat. He was well held in third on his last two runs down in Killarney over shorter trips but had only been narrowly denied at Limerick previously over a similar trip to today’s.
On that run he’d have a big shout and stepping back up in trip may just help him a bit over fences.
Zigger Zagger ran well on his chase debut at Down Royal back in March and was a decent third on his return to action over timber at Bellewstown recently. He looks to have a bit to find with the aforementioned pair on hurdles ratings though.
Croghill Tuppence looks worth following in the handicap chase after a big run at the course last time over a trip that looked on the short side. He had to work to get on terms then over two-and-a-half miles but stayed on nicely in the closing stages to finish third.
This three-mile-one-furlong trip should be much better for the former point-to-pointer, who has a good record at the track, having won his maiden hurdle and beginners’ chase here.
Tulsa Jack bounced back after a couple of falls by winning at this track last month and, off just a 3lb higher mark, he looks a danger.
There was plenty of talk on course about Comehere Hi after her eye-catching run at Bellewstown last week and she can claim the opening maiden hurdle. She made up plenty of ground
late-on a week ago and it later transpired that her saddle had slipped, meaning Ruby Walsh had to sit tight over the last two jumps.
Pacelli Road won easily here last time and, with promising claimer Jack Kennedy booked to ride, he can land the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle for sponsor JP McManus.
GARY CARSON
4.35pm: Comehere Hi
5.05pm: Authorative
5.35pm: Pacelli Road
6.05pm: Wandering Aengus
6.35pm: Steps To Freedom (Nap)
7.05pm: Croghill Tuppence (Double)
7.35pm: John Monash
NEXT BEST
4.35pm: Sam King
5.05pm: Luimneach Abú
5.35pm: Do Try Dolly
6.05pm: Boherna Lady
6.35pm: Pink Coat
7.05pm: Tulsa Jack
7.35pm: Tt's Star
