16:45 Sligo

Wednesday 5 August 2020

All16:1516:4517:2017:5018:2018:5019:20

Martin Reilly Motors Rated Novice Hurdle

Off time: 16:45 | Winning time: 4m 10.20s

Arthurian Fame²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-11| J: J J Slevin| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 124

11/5

Has typically tan well over hurdles and also with spell on the Flat this Summer. Belatedly off the mark in 2m4f Kilbeggan hurdle last month. Top claims despite shouldering penalty.

Form: 2497-1

Scalor¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: Donagh Meyler| T: Miss E Doyle

18/1

Improver in bumpers last term before tame hurdle effort, but put that behind him with shock victory at Kilbeggan (2m) last month. Interesting if he can replicate that form.

Form: 8/9440-1

Somptueux³⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: H Morgan⁽⁷⁾| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 118

12/1

Hadn't been showing much in previous hurdle efforts but changed that with narrow victory at Kilbeggan (2m4f) in June. Trip might be sharp but has to be respected.

Form: 2/770-1

Anna Bunina^t¹²

Age: 4| Weight: 11-3| J: Simon Torrens⁽⁷⁾| T: J C McConnell| OR: 123

5/2

Useful filly when trained by Jed O'Keefe in Britain and was given lofty target on first couple of starts for this yard. Easy 11L at Cork (2m) last month and should be set to go well once more.

Form: 3PP-U1

Jon Ess¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: Ricky Doyle⁽³⁾| T: C O'Dwyer| OR: 116

10/3

Specialist on the AW at Dundalk and getting better over hurdles, culminating with 7L win at Gowran (2m) in July. No shock if he was to take another step in the right direction.

Form: 8260-21

Hesamanofhisword¹³

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: K J Brouder| T: D E Fitzgerald| OR: 112| BF

15/2

Encouraging efforts when placing in his first three starts but took backward step when 16L fourth at Limerick (2m) last month. Place claims on best form but might need a little bit more.

Form: 2232-24

Sharp As A Pin⁴⁴⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 10-11| J: P J O'Hanlon⁽⁷⁾| T: R K Watson| OR: 80

125/1

Six-time maiden who has shown very little on the track to date. Latest effort when pulling up at Clonmel (2m) suggests she has a mountain to climb in this company.

Form: 00F0/6P-

Whatsinthecorner^t¹²

Age: 8| Weight: 10-11| J: B J Cooper| T: J J Hanlon| OR: 110| D

12/1

Was a long-standing maiden until belatedly getting off the mark at Bellewstown (2m) last month. Not as good at Cork (2m) latest however and others are preferred.

Form: 55BP-16

Non-Runners

Cafe Con Leche³

Weight: 11-7| Age: 4

T: D Hogan J: D F O'Regan

Forecasts

Arthurian Fame (11/5), Anna Bunina (5/2), Jon Ess (10/3), Cafe Con Leche (4/1), Hesamanofhisword (15/2), Somptueux (12/1), Whatsinthecorner (12/1), Scalor (18/1), Sharp As A Pin (125/1)

An intriguing contest which brings plenty of strong form lines together, the top-weight Arthurian Fame obviously sets the form standard on his consistent form book and belated victory last month. He should be hard to beat but the weight penalty is significant. Jon Ess and Somptueux registered career-best's last time but need to back that up at a track which may not play to their strengths. A chance is taken with the filly ANNA BUNINA, who wasn't disgraced at higher levels previously and was an easy winner last time her. Her 7lb is also a very handy advantage to have too.