Among Equals to make amends

Pat Smullen can take a couple of steps closer to his first jockeys' title at Listowel today where he holds good chances in both…

Pat Smullen can take a couple of steps closer to his first jockeys' title at Listowel today where he holds good chances in both of the flat events.

Dermot Weld's stable jockey moved on to the 68-winner mark, eight clear of John Murtagh, when Golden Storm trotted up at the festival yesterday.

"It would be good if I could get a few more of those before the year is out," quipped the young Offaly rider.

Neither Among Equals in the 10-furlong maiden nor Moving On Up in the featured Harp Handicap may win as easily as Golden Storm, but they do appear to hold first-rate chances.

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Among Equals was a disappointing favourite behind Golden Hop at Fairyhouse last time, but the ground was almost fast that day and the Sadler's Wells horse may not have let himself fully down on it. There will be no such excuse for the blinkered colt today.

Moving On Up won the Harp Handicap on heavy ground last year and is now rated just 4lb higher. A run behind Shoal Creek at the Curragh last Sunday should have sharpened him up and, despite the topweight, he is just preferred to Castheshane.

Weld will also be a factor in the last with the highly-rated Catherina, but Minella Hotel could be a better option. Glin Castle looks the best in the five-runner handicap chase.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column