NATURAL Ruler could be nicely treated on his handicap debut in the three-year-old mile contest at Dundalk on Friday evening.
The Johnny Murtagh-trained colt ran a nice race when second in maiden company on his return to action a fortnight ago and there looks scope for further improvement.
He chased home odds-on shot Al Mudhaffar that day and had the 73-rated Hoover Dam back in third over this course and distance.
An initial mark of 69 looks lenient for the son of Ten Sovereigns who makes just his fourth career outing now.
He’s entitled to come forward a bit from his comeback run here last time and despite this being a competitive enough heat he could have a few pounds up his sleeve.
There are three last time out winners in the field and Aisling Oscar bids for a hat-trick at the venue having already struck twice this year.
The Rajasinghe gelding has beaten Mary Bagot both times and that filly re-opposes having scored herself here three weeks ago.
Fivecromwellplace was a big price when winning here last week but is another that has to be on the shortlist in a good little race for this grade.
Natural Ruler appeals as one that could be a bit better than this level though and he gets the vote.
In the preceding seven-furlong maiden, Sakti will be a short price on her return to action.
The Caravaggio filly was runner-up in both Group Two and Three company last term and her mark of 103 sets a high standard.
An interesting rival is the Paddy Twomey-trained Cill Mocheallog.
The yard’s newcomers are always worth noting in the market but the Phoenix Of Spain gelding would need to be pretty smart to get the better of Sakti first time up.
In the opening sprint handicap, My Girl Sioux may be able to gain a deserved win after a couple of runner-up efforts here recently.
She only lost out by a short-head over this five-furlong trip a fortnight ago and despite a 3lb rise would have to have a big shout again.
In the concluding mile-and-a-half handicap, Squire Danagher may be able to build on his win in maiden company here in late January.
SELECTIONS
5.00 My Girl Sioux (Dbl)
5.30 Theriverrunsdeep
6.00 Ferrybank
6.30 Sakti
7.00 Natural Ruler (Nap)
7.30 Exquisite Acclaim
8.00 Picpoul
8.30 Squire Danagher
