Whistle Dixie© Photo Healy Racing
All eyes will be on Gordon Elliott's Whistle Dixie in the opening www.galwayraces.com (Mares) Maiden Hurdle at Ballybrit on Monday.
Owned by Gigginstown House Stud, the five-year-old mare began her career in a point-to-point at Lemonfield and she only just scrambled home.
That form is nothing to write home about but she was still sent off an odds-on favourite for her debut under Rules in a Limerick bumper.
Ridden confidently, she was not extended at all in winning by nearly four lengths.
It was Fairyhouse next and it was quite clear that Whistle Dixie was a youngster with a big future as she brushed aside older horses.
However, it all went wrong at Sandown where Bryan Cooper was unseated in a Listed bumper for mares in March and a month later she was back in England at the Grand National meeting.
She appeared to have no excuses, staying on into fourth as on good ground she found things happening a bit too quick.
Closely related to Kicking King you'd think she can only improve with obstacles in her way and it will be fascinating to see how far she goes.
Mouse Morris' Ravished bounced back from a dull run in the Kerry National to perform with credit in fifth behind Sadler's Risk in the Munster version.
He carries top weight in the Ennis Lifts Handicap Chase and may have most to fear from the consistent Kylecrue who has been a moneyspiner for connections through the summer.
JP McManus runs two with Barry Geraghty chosing Hash Brown over Drumlee
Morris' Baily Cloud opened his account at the eight attempt over hurdles last time out and could progress with confidence but Willie Mullins' Childrens List and Elliott's Altiepix look stiff opposition in the Barna Recycling Rated Novice Hurdle
Geraghty teams up with Ted Walsh for Salsa Sensation in the McManus silks in the W.B.Gavin & Co. EBF Beginners Chase and he looks the one to beat.
