'Daisy mae' and 'miss al' can make light work of penalties
Tuesday June 23 2009
Progressive fillies Daisy Mae Bates and Miss Al Gunn will be attempting to defy penalties for surprise victories last time out when resuming at Sligo this evening in a typically competitive mixed meeting, writes Damien McElroy.
The Walsh and Cleary families were rejoicing when these improving runners managed to open their accounts in totally different conditions, at Tramore on fast ground and at Fairyhouse with definite ease underfoot.
The expectation tonight of good-to-yielding going -- good in places -- with just the risk of an occasional shower, should suit most candidates as Wayne Lordan and Rory Cleary resume in the saddle on these hopeful selections.
A 7lb hike in the ratings following her Tramore victory over John O'Shea's re-opposing Nicomedia leaves Daisy Mae Bates sharing top weight with older course and distance scorer Lucky Spring in the opener.
Ted and Helen Walsh's Cape Cross filly may still manage to cope with her new mark, however, and Miss Al Gunn from Tommy Cleary's Athlone yard similarly could be the answer to the Cleveragh Handicap.
In between, last week's Ballinrobe victor All About Timing tackles the Sligo Claiming Race under a welter burden that suggests Jim Gorman's charge could be vulnerable to veteran Crooked Throw from the yard of Charlie Swan (pictured above).
The final three races, which complete the evening's schedule under both rules, afford Gowran Park, Bangor and Punchestown runners-up Stradbally, Alkar and Gleanntan splendid opportunities to move up a place each.
Conor O'Dwyer and Niki O'Shea can combine to justify the nap selection in the Martinstown Opportunity Maiden Hurdle as Stradbally now meets nothing of the calibre of his Gowran Park conqueror Cranky Corner.
- Damien McElroy
