Kilcarry Bridge© Photo Healy Racing
Big fields are the order of the day at Roscommon today, with an eight-race card getting under way at 5.15.
The feature race on the programme is the Athlone Handicap Hurdle, and after winning his last two starts, the latest a valuable contest at Ballinrobe, Kilcarry Bridge bids to complete his hat-trick in this two-and-a-half-mile contest.
The John Ryan-trained gelding has gone up a total 16lb for his recent successes and with Ryan Treacy again in the saddle here his 7lb claim could prove invaluable.
Ryan said: "He is in tremendous form, he didn't have a hard race at Ballinrobe and we are hoping for a good run."
Handicap debutant Shield is among his chief rivals while Mount Gunnery Give Me A Break and Takeyourcapoff are the other stand-out names.
There are four maiden hurdles on the card, one divided, and owner Barry Connell looks to have strong claims in three of them.
He is represented by the Jessica Harrington-trained Overcall in division one of www.roscommonracecourse.ie Maiden Hurdle, and after finishing second and third on his first two outings over flights he looks a leading contender. Ballychorus is his representative in the second division and after winning her bumper at Killarney last month she can be expected to go close on what will be her third start over flights. Little Rocky could complete a great day for Connell in the Regan's Bar & Quinntin's Restaurant Maiden Hurdle.
This Dessie Hughes-trained gelding is well capable of winning a race of this standard and should make his presence felt.
The Follow Us On Facebook Maiden Hurdle for four-year-olds gets proceedings started at the western venue and Shutter Island and Reflet Ambre look the two to focus on.
The Ivan Connaughton Auctioneer Handicap Hurdle looks a competitive affair with Gretzky Siobhans Belle Catchin Time and Eye Lied (Davy Russell an interesting jockey booking) all sure to have their supporters. Knockanarrigan should prove hard to beat in the remaining hurdle on the card, the Castlerea Handicap over three miles, while New Kid In Town and Liss Ui Riain are leading players in the concluding bumper.
