Kilbeggan preview Noel Meade's Powder Hound is the standout name among a field of eight runners in the Coola Maiden Hurdle at Kilbeggan on Friday evening. A talented Flat runner for Andrew Balding in 2013, the four-year-old was snapped up for 145,000 Guineas by Gigginstown House Stud to go jumping. While he has not exactly set the world alight over obstacles thus far, the four-year-old has run creditably in defeat on three occasions and chased home subsequent Grade One winner Abbyssial on debut. Powder Hound returns from a six-month break for this two-mile test and should be a tough nut to crack if fit enough to do himself justice. The opening race on the card is the Tom McCormack Memorial Cup Mares Maiden Hurdle and the Harry Kelly-trained Padraig's Joy looks the one to beat. The Black Russian ran a fine race on his return to action at Sligo last Sunday and he can be expected to go close in the Destination Athlone Handicap Hurdle, while others to consider are Castletown Bridge, Treacy Hotels Boy and Vinniespride. Down Time won easily over the course and distance on his last start and he is sure to prove popular with punters in the Michael Moore Car Sales Mercedes-Benz Handicap Hurdle, with Dark Outsider and Top Chief appearing his main rivals. The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase looks a competitive affair and those for the shortlist are Presenting Beara, Bose Ikard, Caolaneoin, Elegant Statesman and Seefood, while Tempest Missile is the obvious shout in the concluding Ladies Day At Kilbeggan On 9th August Flat Race.
