DANCE BEAT, the unchallenged winner of her first chase at Tipperary eight days ago has the makings of a good jumper and it will be interesting to see how she fares in today's Kilbegnet Novices' Chase. The opposition is anything but formidable however and Dance Beat should prevail.
Australian jockeys Tim Wheeler, Tom Hazlett, Frankie Stockdale and Willie Harnett, all visiting Ireland for the first time, comprise the Australian team which will be taking on their Irish counterparts in the annual five-race challenge that begins in today's opener and will continue at Navan on Wednesday, Tipperary on Thursday and Downpatrick on Friday.
On their five visits here since they first came in 1986 the Australians came out on top three times but in their fifteen encounters both in Australia and in Ireland they are currently equal with one drawn series. Paul Carberry, Liam Cusack, David Casey and Garrett Cotter won the seven-race series at tracks in Adelaide and Melbourne this year.
The Australians have decent chances in the Lustre Handicap Hurdle in which they will be opposed by Ireland's team of Charlie Swan, Frank Woods, John Shortt and Anthony Powell. I Remember it Well, narrowly beaten by Tidjani at Listowel but successful in a handicap hurdle over this course last month is likely to start favourite and draw first blood for Frankie Stockdale.
Course winner Aces and Eights will again he ridden by Richard Dunwoody in the Irish N.H. Novice's Hurdle. He was a very easy winner last month.
Ring Of Kerry did not have a lot of room on the inside when trying to challenge in the race won by Epic Tale at Listowel. John Oxx's charge may have better luck in the Ballinlough Maiden.
Although beaten under a penalty at Galway last time out Onyourown's overall form entitles him to respect in the Crosswell Handicap and the Dermot Weld trained Persica is chosen to win the Fairymount Maiden.
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