Carnelly the pick

CARNELLY LOOKS the most interesting betting prospect in a tricky programme at Dundalk tomorrow.

The David Hanley-trained filly had her only run so far at Naas last month and was noted running on strongly towards the finish of the 10- furlong contest won by Ayres Rock to finish fourth.

Ayres Rock will test the merit of that form at Leopardstown this evening but it was a smart first effort by Carnelly and with normal improvement from that, it's not unreasonable to expect her to put up stout resistance to Mick Kinane's mount Western Chief and John Oxx's Derbela.

That level of resistance should be good enough for Carnelly to win.

Colm's Rock has to shoulder top weight of 12 st in the Bar-1 Racing Galway Hurdle Trial and although his last effort, when only fourth to Lady Daisy at Gowran Park, was slightly disappointing he should be more at home on this better ground and is taken to defy the weight and likely danger Fane Path.

Charlie Swan and Aidan O'Brien can also take the opening Annagassen Maiden Hurdle with Barhale Boy, a smart bumper performer whose jumping let him down when third to Try For Ever at Cork in mid-June. If his hurdling technique has been sharpened up, Barhale Boy will take the beating in this weak looking contest.

Bolero Dancer and Aurliano both won at Bellewstown last Wednesday and can fight out the finish of the Dunleer Handicap. Preference is for Bolero Dancer who proved he can win away from Laytown's strand by coming between horses to beat Tame Deer by a length on Wednesday and can add this pot en- route to a campaign on the all-weather in England.

Danny's Joy has proved quite expensive to follow but is worth considering once more in a very competitive looking Castlebellingham Handicap while Texas Friday could now be ready to score in the Blackrock Handicap.

There are quite a few with chances in the concluding bumper but preference is for Willie Mullins Lady De Hatton, an expensive failure last time but clearly well regarded by her shrewd trainer.