RACING:AFTER BEING rained off twice in a week, Fairyhouse is finally getting a break in the weather and will host tomorrow's Listed feature, the Belgrave Stakes, which can go to Arctic.
No weather problems are expected at the Ratoath track which was waterlogged up to last Tuesday when a rescheduled fixture was called off.
“We wanted a bit of luck and it looks like we’re getting it. We’ve had just 1mm of rain in the last 24 hours, the sun is shining now and while the ground is heavy, it’s not as heavy as it was,” manager Peter Roe said. “By Sunday we might even be soft.”
Edward Lynam, however, plans to check the ground conditions before committing Slade Power to a run. The highly-regarded sprinter won a Listed race at Haydock on his latest appearance, but persistent rain means conditions are likely to be far softer this weekend.
Lynam is keen to get more experience into a horse he hopes could progress into a Group One performer next season, but he is not certain to line up at Fairyhouse. “We’d like the ground to dry out a bit and we’ll probably have a walk on it tomorrow to see where we are,” said Lynam.
However, the dreadful summer Ireland is experiencing should see perfect conditions for Arctic in the six-furlong feature.
The grey looked a future star as a two-year-old but his form tapered off badly to such an extent that winning at Navan on heavy ground this season was very welcome.
Arctic has since run a fine race behind An Saighduir at the Curragh and his love for testing ground can see him beat off both Slade Power and After who flopped at Naas on Wednesday.
Blue Corner was a five-length debut Curragh winner on fast going but it will be very different in the four-runner conditions event today and the 10-furlong trip looks ideal for Warwick Avenue.
That one was runner-up to Hay Point here last month and John Oxx’s filly also appears tomorrow in the finale where she should go very close.
Ruby Walsh can enjoy a good afternoon at Sligo tomorrow where the dual-bumper winner Zuzka can build on her jumping debut in the mares maiden hurdle.
It looks significant that Summer Star makes her own jumping debut in the seven-runner novice hurdle.
