Effernock Fizz can bounce back to winning ways in the mares’ hurdle at Killarney on Thursday.
The eight-year-old has been a terrific servant for owner/breeder Tom Sheridan, winning nine times with victories on the Flat, over hurdles and fences.
She has generally been a very consistent performer but weakened tamely last time in a strong renewal of the Grade Three Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary.
This looks like an easier task now and the small field should suit as she’s best when allowed to bowl along in front.
With a mark of 130 she sets the standard in the two-and-a-half mile contest and conditions suit well as she doesn’t have to carry a penalty.
That looks a big advantage as her main rivals all have to give her 8lb in the race.
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Chief among them is probably the Gordon Elliott-trained Hollymount, a talented sort on her day.
The well-bred Jet Away mare won twice in the spring of last year and is probably best suited by a decent surface.
Elliott can claim the opening maiden hurdle on the card with The Last Mardi.
This Sholokhov gelding looked set to collect at Wexford last time only to crash out at the second last flight.
He had been placed twice over hurdles prior to that and wouldn’t be winning out of turn now.
The handicaps on the card look trickier but one that catches the eye is Penny Jar in the opportunity handicap hurdle.
Pat Downey’s charge rattled off a hat-trick of wins over timber last year and ran a very encouraging race on his comeback this term on the Flat at Tramore.
He went to post a 40/1 shot in that mile-and-a-half maiden and after being held up the back he started to stay on nicely before getting stopped in his run over a furlong from home.
The seven-year-old was never going to get near the easy winner My Mate Mozzie then but may have grabbed a place with a clearer run and it was a nice effort.
His first win came from a very low base of 82 last year and he is now 25lb higher but there may be a bit more to come from the Court Cave gelding.
Willie Mullins runs newcomers in both bumpers on the card and it would be no surprise if both collected.
Luckinthecity, who runs in the four-year-old race, is a full-brother to three winners. In the finale he introduces Mount Nelson mare Longview Lady. She is out of a half-sister to Bob Olinger.
SELECTION NEXT BEST
5.00: The Last Mardi Fameaftertheglory
5.30: Effernock Fizz (Nap) Hollymount
6.00: Penny Jar (Dbl) Away To Milan
6.35: Ceanndana Loup De Tallane
7.10: Solitary Man Ricky Langford
7.40: Luckinthecity Master Otis
8.15: Longview Lady Royal Moon
