Canadian Vista chosen

PUNTERS ARE spoiled for choice with both Wexford and Down Royal on this evening, and there looks to be some reasonable betting opportunities too, notably Canadian Vista in the Duncannon Maiden at Wexford.

This daughter of Jim Bolger's Irish Derby winner, St Jovite, will face a stiff challenge from the talented hurdling mare, Lady Daisy, but the good weather which has firmed up the ground everywhere may be the crucial factor in the Bolger trained filly's favour.

Canadian Vista was reported to have gurgled after finishing a disappointing sixth behind Crest Of A Wave at Listowel a month ago, but with her breeding she was never going to be a confident selection to act on the very soft ground that day.

A better indication of her ability was on her seasonal debut at the Curragh, when she made much of the running, only to be outpaced by the very smart pair of Ebadilya and Dr Johnson. As time goes on that is becoming an even better effort than it seemed at the time and a Canadian Vista in that form tonight should win.

Elsewhere on the Wexford card, Noel Made and his talented young claimer, Barry Geraghty, can be on the mark twice, courtesy of Mubadir and Luna Fleur.

Formerly a top class handicap hurdler, Mubadir returned from a lengthy absence at Roscommon 11 days ago and, in the circumstances, didn't do at all badly be hind Padashpan. With expected improvement, he can defy top weight in the Mount Leinster Handicap Chase.

In contrast Luna Fleur won last time at Limerick, beating Ashjar by an easy 14 lengths in a maiden hurdle and he can confirm that form in the Rosslare Handicap Hurdle.

Arthur Moore's Parsee was just touched off by Double Colour in a hurdle at Listowel last time and can win the Tusker Light Flat Race, while the Killarney bumper winner, Bessmount Leader, is the selection in the opener.

At Down Royal, some decent national hunt performers go in the Derry Volgie Maiden, with John Mulhern's All The Colours standing out as the likely winner. Well fancied for the Cheltenham bumper, the tour year old ran a fine race to be third to Florida Pearl. All The Colours hasn't run since then, but if near peak fitness, will take a lot of beating.