RACING:GALIANNA LOOKS like she could be a different proposition over jumps now compared to last winter when she lines up for a maiden hurdle at Ballinrobe this afternoon, writes Brian O'Connor.
The Pat Flynn-trained mare ran twice over flights last winter, finishing runner-up at Tramore before crashing out in a race at Limerick when getting into contention. Since then she has been bought by JP McManus and looked a really progressive type when scoring by ten lengths on the flat at Clonmel last May.
On the strength of that she was fancied for the big amateur prize at Galway only to show signs of being in season but bounced back with a good fourth at Leopardstown on Irish Champion Stakes day.
Corkonian was a smart bumper performer in the 2008-09 season and lines up against Galianna today but race sharpness can swing things the latter’s way.
A Michael O’Leary-owned horse carrying the name Westmeath must be highly regarded and Paul Carberry can guide the Limerick bumper winner to success in the opening maiden.
Carberry can also score on Alpha Ridge in the conditions chase, particularly if the going softens, while Head Of The Posse looks the best of JP McManus’s options in the Beginners Chase.
