Sport

Shajak should shine at Sligo

Shajak looks capable of stepping forward from his hurdling debut run and is fancied to strike in the opener at Sligo on Sunday.

The Zarak gelding was Listed placed on the Flat before being bought by JP McManus and shaped with promise on first start over jumps down in Killarney in May.

He was a touch 'novicey' that day and his jumping can be expected to sharpen up a bit for the experience.

This looks like a weaker contest with the 113-rated Dark Note setting the standard.

That rival has been placed on his last three outings over timber and ran into a smart sort in Bowmore in Wexford last time.

His experience will be a big asset now and he's probably the one to beat on hurdles form to date.

Shajak achieved a higher level on the Flat though and is open to plenty of improvement on his second outing over jumps.

Another Gordon Elliott horse that catches the eye on the card is Purse Price in the mares' handicap hurdle.

She had plenty of placed form in decent maiden hurdles over the winter and doesn't appear to be harshly treated on her handicap debut off a mark of 107.

The daughter of Passing Glance followed the Red Mills auction race calendar last season and they threw up some competitive races.

She chased home a useful sort in Hands Of Gold a couple of times and he was given an official rating of 128.

At first look it would appear that Purse Price was a bit frustrating but she did bump into some decent sorts to be fair and this looks a more suitable target now.

Unplaced maidens can be tricky enough affairs but Bukhill looks to have an obvious chance in the two-mile contest on the card.

The Hillstar gelding ran well on his first outing for Peter Fahey when fourth in a Punchestown maiden hurdle last month.

He just weakened from the last that day and may improve a bit as that was his first outing since last September.

This is obviously a weaker race now and stablemate Artemis Angel is probably the greatest danger. She was beaten favourite when fifth at Sligo last month but it was still a decent run in the context of this race.

Willie Mullins has only one runner on the card and it would be no surprise if newcomer Givago gave him another bumper winner in the finale.

The Doctor Dino gelding is out of a multiple graded race winner in France.

SELECTIONS

2.00 Shajak (Nap)

2.35 Bukhill - Artemis Angel

3.10 Purse Price (Dbl) - We Got This

3.45 Staging Post - Pont Audemer

4.20 Natural Breeze - Bidentime

4.55 Goodnightgodbless - Iridescent

5.30 Givago - Arabian Diamond