LIFE OF REILLY
There are few trainers in Ireland whose runners command more respect than John Kiely, and in this New Zealand-bred five year-old he looks to have another exciting prospect on his hands. Like exciting stable-companion Sweeps Hill a son of Montjeu, Life Of Reilly was certainly pitched in at the deep end for his recent racecourse debut at Naas against Listed flat winner Baron D’El and company in a conditions hurdle. However he certainly didn’t look out of place and after briefly showing his experience approaching two out he ran on really powerfully from the last to just miss out on second spot, beaten just four lengths. It was a most eye-catching effort and he should be followed next time, wherever he goes.
DEISE DAN
A useful sort in bumpers, winning at Leopardstown’s 2008 Christmas Festival in between chasing home classy performers Luska Lad and Cadspeed, Deise Dan didn’t initially take to hurdles as well as might have been hoped. He has shaped better than the bare result since switched to handicap company for his last two starts at Punchestown though, on both occasions pulling too hard for his own good. His current mark of 97 is potentially very lenient if he can finally put it all together and Tom Mullins’ charge is worth watching, particularly if the money comes for him on track.
LITTLE BUG
Not much has gone right for Little Bug of late, but the upshot of that is that she is unquestionably a well-handicapped horse once the cards finally fall in her favour. The diminutive filly, who chased home subsequent Listed scorer Alaiyma in a Dundalk nursery last year, has had the misfortune to be drawn on the wide outside in each of her last three starts. To be fair she showed absolutely nothing at Navan last time, but the testing ground there was completely against her and her two previous efforts from stall fourteen at Dundalk both contained plenty of promise. If she can ever manage to get into a race on the polytrack again, which has been a major problem of late, she is definitely capable of popping up at a big price.
SHAKURU
Home-bred by his owner Lady Clague, Shakuru qualifed for a handicap mark when fourth to Augustusthestrong at Listowel, easily the best of his three efforts to date. The son of Alhaarth travelled well throughout on that occasion, but appeared ill at ease on the sharp track and will be of interest once stepped up in trip on a more galloping course. His rating of 73 can certainly be exploited.
