Hariymi is sound bet

It's typical pre-big race weekend fare at Dundalk this evening, but after Enzeli's ultra-impressive victory at Leoprdstown on…

It's typical pre-big race weekend fare at Dundalk this evening, but after Enzeli's ultra-impressive victory at Leoprdstown on Wednesday, more than one reassured punter will be looking at Hariymi in the Clogherhead Maiden.

John Oxx's horses had not been scoring with their usual frequency but Enzeli annihilation of the Saval Beg Stakes field could herald a return to form.

Hariymi, a son of Woodman, did little wrong on his debut at Fairyhouse two weeks ago when a seven-length runner-up to Landing Slot. He ran on well up the straight and should come on form that, enough possibly to account for Dee-One-O-One, runner-up on both starts this term.

Jason Maguire might have to check the length of his arms after riding Oliver's Island in the Carrolls Handicap Hurdle, but if this hard puller settles even adequately, he must have a good chance.

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Maguire allowed Oliver's Island to lead last time at Naas and the horse seemed to relax better and ran out an easy six-lengths winner over Drumcliffe. A similar initiative could have a similar result.

Lord Grey, placed in two decent bumpers, can score for Garrett Cotter in the opening maiden hurdle, and Ben Cohan is marginally preferred to get off the mark in the bumper.

Newmarket 1,000 Guineas disappointment Sunspangled is one of five left in the Epsom Oaks by Aidan O'Brien. The others are Carambola, Crystal Downs, Peach Out Of Reach and Pink Coral.

Zahrat Dubai heads the 27 acceptors after yesterday's forfeit stage. The Godolphin-owned filly leads the market following an impressive display at York last week.

Leggera, John Dunlop's high class filly, could make her seasonal debut in the Group Two Prix Jean de Chaudenay over 12 furlongs at Saint-Cloud on Monday. The Prix Vermeille winner and Arc de Triomphe runner-up was among the six acceptors at yesterday's entry stage. Also standing their ground were Leggera's stablemate Generous Rosi and Henry Cecil's Group-winning filly, Silver Rhapsody. The three home acceptors are Public Purse, Epistolaire and Sestino.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column