Ballinrobe Racecourse© Photo Healy Racing
Gordon Elliott could be the man to follow at Ballinrobe on Monday with a host of chances. Global Freedom kicks things off in the J.J. Burke 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle with Denis O’Regan on board.
A maiden on the Flat for Ed Dunlop, he was gelded after his final outing but showed enough on his introduction over hurdles to suggest he will be winning in that sphere.
Global Freedom finished third of 16 at Roscommon, beaten four and a half lengths, and with that run under his belt he should be all the wiser.
In the Burleigh Accountancy Handicap Hurdle Elliott is doubly represented by Smiling Eliza and Authorizo.
Smiling Eliza has already won three over timber, including her penultimate outing at Cork. Most recently she fell at the first at the Galway Festival.
O’Regan rides the filly, with Rachael Blackmore on Gigginstown’s Authorizo, who won at Fairyhouse in January but has not gone on from there. He had a spin on the Flat last time out.
Kevin Brogan gets the ride on Elliott’s Tapenade in the Connolly’s Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle.
An eight-race maiden to date, he was a beaten favourite last time out and Brogan’s 7lb claim may well be needed.
Blackmore then gets the ride on Empire Burleque in the Broderick’s Electrical Handicap Hurdle.
A point-to-point winner, there have been signs he is capable of making a mark over hurdles and he looks to have been well placed.
An interesting runner in the closing Cummins Homevalue Hardware INH Flat Race is Willie Mullins newcomer Pencreek
The six-year-old will carry the Worcester family colours that were carried to victory by Mr Mulligan in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
