This provides an opportunity for RUNCOK to shine. Not much was expected of him at Fairyhouse, and he finished last of a Mullins quintet headed by Irancy who bolted up in a Grade 1 here on Tuesday. Naturally Nimble may hold her own against older rivals. Zoffman, Khrisma and Casheldale Lad have potential for improvement. [Alan Sweetman]
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Flat winner for Andrew Kinirons; made a winning start over hurdles for this stable in an ordinary maiden at Gowran over 2m despite making a couple of jumping errors; next run at Navan was a major disappointment; much better when second at Naas, but probably needs to raise his game a little to win this.
Failed to win in three bumper starts; won a C&D maiden on heavy ground on first attempt over hurdles; beaten by four shorter-priced stablemates when set a demanding task at Fairyhouse; now takes his place in the spotlight as the stable's only runner, with the form boosted by Irancy.
Two wins and placed 11 times on the Flat (from 22 starts); signed off last season with a second over 1m4f at Cork off a respectable 91; second to an easy winner at Navan on hurdling debut; went one better at Naas early last month; more on his plate now
Flat maiden winner on good; only seventh on soft-ground hurdle debut but much improved when seeing off Willy De Houelle to win Grade 3 at Fairyhouse (yielding) just eight days later; respectable fourth under a penalty in Grade 2 at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting; fell three out when 16-1 in Grade 1 juvenile hurdle at Aintree; first-time cheekpieces.
Seventh foal; half-brother to useful bumper/hurdle winner Eskylane; dam bumper winner, and well-related; tough task taking on winners on introduction, though riding plans are a positive.
Developed into a useful Flat performer last year (rated 90), made a bright start to hurdling career, winning 20-runner Naas maiden (2m, good to yielding); failed to build on that at Kelso, implying she may be vulnerable in this company.
Won two Grade 3 APQS races over 1m4f at three, soft ground on both occasions; should be better for a Windsor run in January; winner Jubilee Alpha has done her bit for the form.
Won Lingstown point-to-point by a huge margin last November from the only other finisher; fair third in a bumper at Navan in January; lack of hurdling experience is a drawback.
