Jacksays to make long trip pay off

IT’S A long trip to Killarney from Rathcoole in Co Dublin but Whatever Jacksays can make it a rewarding one for trainer Oliver McKiernan.

The McKiernan string has been in fine form over all codes in recent months and Whatever Jacksays contributed with a hat-trick of wins over jumps in the spring. However, he completed a four-in-a-row with a defeat of Dare To Doubt in a similar race to this evening’s amateur flat race at Leopardstown recently.

Whatever Jacksays has shown admirable versatility in terms of ground and looks to be on a roll. Our Girl Lucy won well at Cork last Friday and can defy a 6lb penalty in the concluding handicap hurdle while any improvement in ground should suit Catcherinscratcher in the novice chase. There could be substantial improvement in Sparkling Rock after her Naas debut was spoiled by an untidy start.

Meanwhile, Joseph O’Brien recorded his fourth winner of the day yesterday as he guided the 5 to 4 favourite Beach Of Falesa to victory in the Killarney Avenue/Munster Joinery Handicap for his father Aidan.

O’Brien had earlier recorded a double at Dundalk aboard George Vancouver and Mars while he repeated the dose at Killarney as he won on his only two rides – his other winner being Happy Anniversary who was also returned the 5 to 4 favourite.