Top weight Salvador Ziggy can prove the class act in the big race of the year at Kilbeggan, the €100,000 Midlands National, on Friday.
Gordon Elliott saddles five in the Listed handicap and it’s no surprise that he takes a few pounds off the back of the selection with Jake Coen getting the leg up.
The El Salvador gelding ran a cracker in the Mayo National on his last start in late May when also giving weight away to his rivals.
He was no match late on then for stablemate Duffle Coat but it was a solid effort to chase him home and he is now much better off with that rival, who has gone up 11lb since.
Duffle Coat has had a run since, finishing third over in Perth, but Salvador Ziggy has been kept fresh and that looks the key to him.
Dermot McLoughlin is another that is well represented in the race and Mousey Brown will be popular after two cosy wins in recent months.
She won well here early last month before following up in good style at Punchestown just a week later.
The Califet mare is swimming in deeper waters now though and got a hefty 15lb hike after her last win.
Stablemate The Echo Boy also comes here in winning form but is a bit more exposed.
Earlier on the card, The Big Chap is an eye-catcher on his return to action in the two-mile-three handicap hurdle.
Paul Flynn’s charge is a smart sort and was progressive over fences last season, reaching a peak rating of 137.
He has to be of interest back over the smaller obstacles now off a stone lower.
The opening mares’ maiden hurdles is competitive enough and Magic Dawn can gain a deserved win after a good run at Listowel last month.
She has been knocking on the door and that was her second runner-up effort, when going down by two-and-a-quarter lengths to Cappacurry Ealu.
The daughter of Doyen won a bumper over two-miles-two and going back up in trip now should suit her.
There is no bumper, with a beginners’ chase ending proceedings.
It’s a decent contest and Prairie Dancer can get into the winner’s enclosure after a couple of placed efforts over fences.
He bumped into a smart sort in Easy Fella at Tipperary and this looks like a nice opportunity to get his head in front now.
SELECTIONS
4.25 Magic Dawn (Dbl)
5.00 Time For Tea
5.35 The Big Chap
6.10 Beau’s Candle
6.45 Sydney Cruiser
7.20 Western Model
7.55 Salvador Ziggy (Nap)
8.30 Prairie Dancer
