Don't be shy about Don't be Bitin

RACING: Don't be put off by the name because Don't Be Bitin looks to hold a first-rate chance of winning the most important race of the season so far in the juvenile hurdle division.

This afternoon's Fairyhouse opener brings together most of the youngsters that have caught the eye so far this term even though on the face of it Don't Be Bitin's Cork debut got attention for mostly the wrong reasons.

John Cullen's mount, a decent but hardly exceptional flat horse, was the subject of good schooling reports but in the race itself he hardly jumped a flight properly. He left timber flying more than once and in the circumstances it was remarkable to see him ultimately win by 10 lengths on the bridle.

Trainer Eoin Griffin was at pains afterwards to stress that the horse's jumping at home had been much better so the actual racecourse experience should benefit Don't Be Bitin considerably.

Griffin said yesterday: "I was surprised with his jumping but Ruby (Walsh) wasn't concerned at all. He said the horse idled and didn't know what to do when he was left in front. I know he didn't beat much but he was impressive and if he gets his jumping together he must have a serious chance. He's been schooling great since Cork."

Of the opposition Riverboatman has to concede 4lb while Maxxium might not have beaten much at Navan last weekend. The Clonmel winner Kentucky Charm is an obvious danger but Don't Be Bitin looks a bet.

The leading amateur Niall Madden takes over from Newcastle-bound Paul Carberry on the highly promising Augherskea in the conditions hurdle.The Down Royal winner comes here instead of running in tomorrow's Royal Bond but faces quite a task against the 135-rated GPT winner Rockstown Boy. If Augherskea beats him impressively his reputation will rocket even higher.

The concluding bumper has a pretty hot roll of honour in recent years with the likes of Martinstown and Mark The Man winning it. This year's renewal looks a competitive race too with the likes of Publican and Tomorrow's Dream highly regarded. However, Albert Mooney should improve significantly for his Naas success and can score for JP Magnier. The dour-staying Golden Storm can thrive in the long distance Porterstown Handicap Chase while the Micheal Halford team will fancy their chances with both Stacumny Bridge and the hurdling newcomer Mr Mcauley.