12:40 Naas

Saturday 9 February 2019

All12:4013:1013:4014:1014:4015:1015:4016:10

Connolly's RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Novice Hurdle

Off time: 12:41 | Winning time: 4m 31.60s

City Island^t⁴⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Mark Walsh| T: M Brassil

1/5

Bumper winner was a ready winner of his first hurdle race (2m5f) in August only to lose the race due to a positive test. Made amends at Leopardstown next (2m) winning an 18-runner maiden. Second won twice since so form solid and fancied here.

Form: 2-1D1

Chavi Artist¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: D J Mullins| T: T Mullins

9/2

Little encouragement in four bumpers and two hurdles so latest third of 17 at 100/1 represented a major step forward. If that form can be replicated he should be in the hunt for more place money here.

Form: 050953

Seeyouinvinnys²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Sean Flanagan| T: N Meade

12/1

Shown some ability in two big field contests so far, an eighth of 16 in a bumper and 10th of 29 in a maiden hurdle. Likely more to come for respected connections but may need more time.

Form: 8-0

An Fraoch Mor¹³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: Paul Townend| T: R O'Sullivan

16/1

Finished midfield in two bumpers showing enough ability to merit respect as he now goes hurdling. Jockey booking certainly catches the eye so could go well here at a price.

Form: 57

Cadougarde^h²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: S G McDermott| T: R O'Sullivan

50/1

Failed to complete in a couple of starts in Irish point-to-points in the spring before a couple of moderate runs under rules. Recent ninth of 13 at Thurles after 12-month absence a fair effort but others preferred.

Form: FP/66-9

The Echo Boy^t³⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: C D Maxwell| T: D A McLoughlin

14/1

Dual point winner faded into a remote sixth on debut at Fairyhouse under front-running tactics. Possible he comes on for that but major step up required.

Form: F22116

Edelweis De L'aube^h²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Sarah Kavanagh⁽⁷⁾| T: P A Fahy

50/1

Little encouragement found in first four races but definitely running a career best latest when booked for fifth only to fall at the last in a Thurles maiden. Hopefully no ill effects from that so place prospects.

Form: 00-99F

Farranreigh

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: J J Slevin| T: J P Ryan

50/1

Newcomer by Morozov closely related to bumper/2m5f hurdle winner Hot Whiskey N Ice. Not from a yard known for success with newcomers so likely best watched here.

Form:

Doyen's Diva²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 10-9| J: P E Corbett⁽³⁾| T: J P Ryan

50/1

Fifth beaten 24L in a Sligo bumper in August and similar level since at Thurles when fifth beaten 21L. Time on her side but suspect she will be better further down the line.

Form: 55

Forecasts

City Island (1/5), Chavi Artist (9/2), Seeyouinvinnys (12/1), The Echo Boy (14/1), An Fraoch Mor (16/1), Doyen's Diva (50/1), Farranreigh (50/1), Edelweis De L'aube (50/1), Cadougarde (50/1)

In honesty this looks a penalty kick for Ballymore Novices hope CITY ISLAND who won a strong contest at Leopardstown latest and he would be unbeaten over hurdles but for a positive test. Chavi Artist ran well last time and receives 7lb from the selection which helps. Hurdles newcomer An Fraoch Mor could be an each-way play to run into third.