The first 3yo Hurdle of the season takes place at Roscommon this evening with some interesting contenders among the sixteen strong field for the Railway Bar sponsored contest. Whatever It Takes who won his last two on the level over a mile and a half, is sure to be well supported by punters for his trainer Tommy Stack with Mark Walsh aboard.
The manner in which he won on his last two outings suggested he will have no problems getting two miles and having won over the course last time out, he should go close. Why But Why is also likely have plenty of supporters with Barry Geraghty in the saddle for Jessica Harrington.
The son of Whywhywhy won at Fairyhouse in June and was placed on his last two efforts at Killarney and Down Royal respectively.
His trainer Jessica Harrington said after his Fairyhouse win: "He'll go for another handicap now and end up three-year-old hurdling. He was only meant to be a sprinter but I got the distances all wrong and I'd say he'd go a mile and a half." Roman Flight is probably the most interesting horse in the race, coming here on the back of winning on his debut over a mile at Limerick in June.
He sprang a 25/1 surprise that day, staying on well to get up close home for his trainer Charlie Swan.
The owners, Favourites Racing Syndicate have tasted success under National Hunt Rules in the past with horses such as Livingstonebramble and 2009 Cheltenham Festival winner Something Wells. Bat Masterson is another horse with strong claims for Noel Meade and Paul Carberry.
The son of Alhaarth won over a mile and a half around the course back in May with his trainer Noel Meade reporting afterwards: "He wants that mile and a half and I would even say a mile and six would suit".
Donal Murphy
