Although she has struggled in the main over hurdles for Mervyn Torrens, HIDE THE BISCUIT makes her handicap debut today on her preferred ground and seems well treated for a big run under Danny Mullins. The seven year old won both her point to points in better ground so perhaps it wasn’t much of a surprise to see her struggle in softer ground maidens since switching to hurdling. She made some late headway at Fairyhouse back in February and a step up in trip looks sure to suit as she won both her points at the three mile trip. She was disappointing the last twice over fences so the switch back to timber seemed a given and if taking a step forward on handicap debut, she could be very much overpriced.
A slow improver for Denis Marie O’Shea, Kilganer Queen was well backed on her latest start at at Limerick when storming clear on the run in to win by four lengths and as a result she has been raised 8lb. That makes things tougher but she gave the impression she was value for more and Rachel Blackmore retains the ride and negates 3lb which will be a big help for the seven year old. Conditions and the trip are both fine and another big run is likely on the cards, so she has to be considered.
Although modest at best at present for Gordon Elliott, Mischief Maisy posted her best effort so far when sixth at Downpatrick eleven days ago and perhaps she can build on that up in trip. In that Downpatrick run she was badly hampered and as a result was detached, never nearer than she was at the finish under David Mullins. Davy Russell takes over today and the fact she remains on the same mark makes her hugely dangerous, as she should come on markedly for the step up in trip. Conditions are to suit and she looks likely to play a leading role in this.
Although very unreliable in five hurdling starts, Mosstown Miller posted his best effort yet on handicap debut and perhaps he can make his presence felt. The six year old hade showed bits of form in four runs before making his handicap debut at Pucnhestown on his latest start off a mark of 93, finishing fifth after making a mistake early on which perhaps hindered his finishing effort under Barry Browne, who retains the ride. He takes off an extra 7lb off his back once again and if taking another step forward he wouldn’t be amiss as a winning chance, though perhaps he may need his mark to drop a few pounds before he breaks his maiden.
Coolnagorna Giggs finished second on his penultimate start at Kilbeggan last month, making mistakes which ultimately would be his demise and the eleven year old needs more off a mark of 91 if he’s to be threatening for the win again. Off this mark at Cork three weeks ago he fell at the sixth, his second bad mistake of the contest which resulted in that very heavy fall. His jumping has to be questioned as he does have a habit of sloppy jumps over hurdles and he may not get away with that in this sort of company with potential improvers ready to pounce. The yard are in good form which is a plus and if jumping with more fluency off this mark, he should have each way claims.