Tango Flare bids for a repeat success in the median auction race at Fairyhouse on Friday and can strike again for trainer Pat Foley.
The Fullbright gelding has been highly tried in stakes company, and more recently in good handicaps, since his victory in this race 12 months ago.
He was fourth in a Listed race after that and has developed into a smart sprinter for connections.
On his most recent outing at the Curragh, a fortnight ago, he ran a solid race to finish fourth in the competitive ‘Habitat’ handicap won by Red Letter Bray.
With a mark of 98 he sets the standard in this six-furlong conditions event and would appear to be the one to beat.
Warrior Brave tops the weights and looks like the obvious danger in the field despite having to give his rival 4lb.
He achieved a career high mark of 101 last season when winning a conditions race at Naas over seven furlongs.
The Ross O’Sullivan-trained gelding also won on this card last year when taking a handicap over this trip and is a real danger if he strips fit for his return.
Dandyville is the other one that has to come into calculations. He was behind the selection when only beating a few home on his return at the Curragh and has to improve from that outing.
In the following seven-furlong handicap, Tough Talk can get back to winning ways after a good run at the Curragh last time.
The Kingman gelding hasn’t won since scoring on his debut as a two-year-old, beating Little Big Bear.
He has presumably had his issues with a couple of truncated campaigns but it was a good run last time when third to Hurricane Ivor in a competitive race.
Despite pulling hard early on then he finished off well and if Colin Keane can get him a bit more switched off he’s capable of winning.
Galen also had some eye-catching two-year-old form on his debut having chased home City Of Troy at the Curragh on his sole start
He was turned over at a short price on his return at that venue a fortnight ago but is entitled to improve a bit from that outing and could prove hard to beat now.
SELECTIONS
4.35 Easy Mover
5.10 Tango Flare (Nap)
5.40 Tough Talk (Dbl)
6.10 Galen
6.40 Ozark Daze
7.10 Alonzo
7.42 Elsa’s Pride
8.17 Elzaamsan
