Regal Tramp on target to break duck
VINCENT WARD, the Co Meath-based sheep farmer who gets a great tune out of the handful of horses that he trains under a restricted licence, can record his first winner of 2012 at Dundalk.
Regal Tramp tackles the 10-furlong conditions race for Ward under Conor Hoban and everything looks right for the Street Cry four-year-old to break her duck tonight.
Placed off as high a rating as 75 last term, she has dropped to a mark of 68, with Hoban's 5lb claim leaving her thrown in with her nine rivals off bottom weight.
On Regal Tramp's first outing for two months a fortnight ago, she ran a blinder to be beaten just a couple of lengths in fifth. If she improves on that now, she should have enough in hand to prevail over a trip that is probably a fraction short for her.
General Bunching could be the main danger. Jim Bolger's charge has shown improved form lately and is up 8lbs for winning here on the same night.
Bolger is, nonetheless, fancied to secure a brace with Naoise and Gort Na Mona. In division one of the seven-furlong handicap, Naoise faces a few consistent sorts, but his second to Lord Kenmare last week identified him as a progressive four-year-old.
Gort Na Mona, placed four times already, faces little meaningful opposition in the concluding maiden.
In the Leucillin Horseware Handicap, Kendleston will bid to confirm the impression that he made when landing a brilliant touch for the Tommy Stack stable three weeks ago.
While Tawariyka and Choral Society are the pick of his five rivals, neither won with anything like the authority that Kendleston did on their respective latest starts.
A 14lb hike in the ratings might not be nearly enough to stop Wayne Lordan's mount.
- Richard Forristal
Irish Independent
