ONE of the more noticeable recent trends has been the return to peak form of the John Oxx stable, and the upward curve looks set to continue at Naas this evening.
Oxx and rider John Murtagh look to have a realistic chance of two winners, with the two-year-old Strike Hard looking to have the most realistic chance of all in the Virginia Maiden.
Strike Hard, a daughter of Green Desert, made a favourable impression on her only start so far when third to Fairy Flight and Hermitage Bay at the Curragh Derby meeting, and if she follows the stable pattern of improving significantly for a first run, then she will be a difficult opponent.
The knockers could point out that she was a long-looking six lengths behind the principals at the Curragh, but that was over six furlongs and Murtagh had her right in contention until Strike Hard weakened at the distance. The drop back to the minimum distance tonight should suit admirably and with most of her dangerous-looking opponents looking to be well exposed, Strike Hard looks something to bet on.
Ridiyara is another Oxx-Murtagh runner with only the one run behind her. That was back in October when finishing sixth to Mubadara in a maiden on soft ground. Despite that gap, the Persian Bold filly looks worth examining, especially considering the opposition are hardly awe-inspiring.
Like Oxx, Dermot Weld has had his problems with the virus this season but he too appears to have his string back to peak form and also looks to have double prospects tonight.
Puzzled Airs was an easy winner at Gowran last time and may be open to enough improvement to account for Red Castle in the concluding Thoroughbred Breeders Race, but the 10-furlong handicap an hour before looks much less straightforward.
Weld's runner here is Abaco, who looked all over the winner at Leopardstown on Saturday evening last, only for Saving Bond to seemingly sprout wings in the last 100 yards and beat him by a neck. Saving Bond has a 5lb penalty for that and, in the circumstances, Abaco may get his revenge.
Mick Kinane takes over from Declan McDonogh, who launched his effort plenty soon enough at Leopardstown, but although Abaco is preferred, it should be another tight finish.
Amontillado has to give weight away in the opening apprentices' race but looks capable of doing so at his best.
