Lindenhurst runs in the fifth at Bellewstown© Photo Healy Racing
John McConnell rarely goes home from Bellewstown without a winner and the locally-based trainer saddles four runners on the opening night of the three-day meeting. Lindenhurst would appear to be his best chance of victory as he bids to repeat last year's success in the McCabes Mitsubishi Motors Handicap.
The five-year-old has run just once since his win 12 months ago, when narrowly denied over timber at Ballinrobe last August.
He carries top weight in the mile-and-three-quarter contest and is sure to be primed for a race which he took in style last season off a 6lb lower mark.
His main danger might be the unexposed Ballydoyle runner Sherlock Holmes who makes his handicap debut after a cosy maiden success at Ballinrobe recently.
He has been given a mark of 87 and that doesn't look overly harsh as he easily disposed of a decent yardstick in Pincode. There is plenty of improvement to come.
McConnell has a 20 per cent strike-rate with juveniles at the track and saddles two in the opening five-runner Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Maiden. Grant Of Approval looks like he needs to step up on his debut effort when fourth at Dundalk, while the speedily-bred Larchmont is one to note in the market on his debut.
The filly to beat may be Zeb's Fantasy who was narrowly denied on her debut at Limerick and appears well treated by the conditions of the race.
She gets 9lb from the experienced and consistent Greyscape and that looks to give her a great chance.
Only four go to post for the Glebe House Stud Handicap, in which Zunera looks to have the measure of her rivals after a fine run in defeat at Leopardstown.
She had both Sassy But Classy and Daisy Bell behind then when second to Ishebayorgrey. Coto who completes the field, needs to step up on the form of her two runs this season.
Gordon Elliott has found a nice opportunity for Mustadrik in the Lime Kiln Gastro Pub Handicap.
The four-year-old won twice over hurdles in the space of three days for connections in late May and, after a short break, is now tried back on the level.
Having appreciated stepping up in trip over timber, it is no surprise to see him tackle a mile and three-quarters on the Flat.
He could be well treated off a mark 2lb lower than his last English rating.
