Michael Kinane dashes back from Epsom to ride at the Curragh this evening, principally to partner Two-Twenty-Two in the Group 2 Gallinule Stakes. Although Kinane should make the trip worthwhile with a winner, it doesn't look likely to be Two-Twenty-Two.
To be fair to the Dermot Weldtrained colt, there are few who could be confidently backed to beat the likely favourite Risk Material. Risk Material has been beaten only once in seven races, showing the combination of talent and grit that makes him a winning horse. Christy Roche's mount is likely to be the target for some smart types. Greek Dance's Derby fans expect a good run from Fruits Of Love, for whom Olivier Peslier is a significant jockey booking. Takarian was only a length and a half and a head behind Risk Material when third in the Derrinstown and is now 3lbs better off, while the older horse Quws is no pushover. Nevertheless, Risk Material's courage has been profitable to side with so far and he should continue to be backed. He could also be a banker for jackpot punters hunting for part of the £24,165 carryover.
Kinane's compensation and travelling expenses should come courtesy of Landing Slot in the concluding maiden. This one was backed to make a winning debut on 2,000 Guineas day, but couldn't get to grips with Afarad once that horse had stolen a long lead on the turn in.
Landing Slot, however, closed the gap to half a length by the line and it was four lengths back to the third Campo Catino who won at Leopardstown last Monday.
Walls Lough finished well over the Guineas weekend when runner up to Deilginis in a mile handicap. The in-form apprentice Danny Grant takes the reins this evening on Pat Flynn's charge and with that first run of the season behind him, Walls Lough will be hard to beat in the Morristown Handicap.
Yorba Linda could appreciate the drop back to five furlongs enough to land the Rathbride Handicap. She showed early speed behind Paradable over six furlongs before fading to finish ninth.
Yorba Linda's trainer Jim Bolger can also play a part in the Newbridge Handicap with Christy Senior. Some well bred newcomers are in the Kilcullen Maiden, but of those with form Flip The Switch, owned by Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, looks best, while Summer Style is marginally preferred in the Pollardstown Maiden.
