VALYSSA Monterg is an interesting recruit to the chasing ranks in the mares’ beginners’ chase at Kilbeggan this evening.
Willie Mullins’ seven-year-old is a useful hurdler and occupied the runner-up spot in a Listed contest in that sphere as recently as November at Punchestown, when stablemate Whiteout won the Grabel Hurdle, with the odds-on Gitane du Berlais in third.
Rated 130 after that effort, she then ran no sort of race in the Pertemps Qualifier at Leopardstown and just a week ago was only fourth in a handicap hurdle at Ayr off a BHA mark of 138.
She starts off over the bigger obstacles against inferior opposition in this two-mile-three-furlong event and the only thing against her is a lack of experience.
Mullins has further claims on the card courtesy of Kolumbus in the bumper.Only fourth when sent off favourite for a Thurles bumper last month, better will be expected of him against Carlitos Bay, Crosshue Boy and Supreme Steel.
Some Drama attempts to supplement his recent Limerick success in the Sean Hughes Memorial Handicap Chase.
Dermot McLoughlin’s charge broke his fencing duck without being extended and that could provide him with a springboard to better things.
His stable-mate Wither Hills’ latest form figures may not inspire, but he remains an interesting contender in the earlier two-mile handicap hurdle. Although falling on his last couple of National Hunt appearances, he did get his head in front on the Dundalk all-weather in February and won this same race off just a 3lb lower mark three years ago.
The three-mile handicap hurdle is a lesser race with top weight Mick The Jiver attempting to follow up his Thurles win of a month ago from a 6lb higher mark.
The opening maiden hurdle could see Dontbackme defy his name, with Iwillifiwant capable of giving him a race. Sweet Cherry makes plenty of appeal in the four-and-five-year-old maiden but she has to concede a fair chunk to Enda Bolger’s Little Stevie, most unfortunate last time at Cork when holding a clear advantage only to come down at the last flight, gifting the race to Noble Vision.
