/ Editor / 09 August 2008 /

Tonight we're off to Westmeath and Kilbeggan racecourse for a seven race National Hunt Card. It wouldn't be harsh to say that August is not a vintage month for jump racing, but for those of us that miss the excitement of our horse falling at the last fence when 25 lengths clear...

The first race on tonight's card is not one to get the blood soaring through your veins. It's the dreaded maiden. I'm pretty sure that they put these races at the start of the card because so many people arrive late and miss them, and are particularly glad of the fact. Fourteen horses who haven't sniffed the grass of a winner's enclosure, fourteen trainers that are running out of ideas. Luckily though there has to be a winner tonight and it's our job to try and find it. Lucky us.

The Boxer Coffey is the obvious starting point but he's frustrating to say the least, he travels okay and often teases punters but is annoyingly lack lustre in a finish. He went off odds on last time and fell, but he was well beaten before he capitulated. This horse is a dangerous proposition but there is every chance that some money can be made on him by trading on his in-running price. Ruby will be on board again and the sight of that man with his posterior in the air is sure to contract the price somewhat. This is the best chance The Boxer Coffey will have of winning a race but he's not for the faint hearted so for this first race we'll make do with a little trade.

Race two and, yippee, another maiden. This one may be a little easier though, if the rain stays away. Via Mantua would probably have been the suggestion if his last race was two races ago...unfortunately his last effort was dismal and he's a very risky proposition in this race. If the rain does indeed stay away its possible Ruby can get a double up with Finisk Rose. Unlike some of the others in this race Finisk Rose hasn't had that many tries at this racing game and his efforts to date can't really be faulted, in fact they could almost be called improving. In another tricky maiden, we'll side with David Kiely's horse, provided the ground is not too soft.

Race three is the hardest race I've ever seen. For God's sake don't have a bet here. Unless something is backed from 33s into 2-1 and the owner says it's the horse that pays for the operation to save his pet dog's life....give it a miss.

Race Four is the first chase on the card and a better race to sink our teeth into. How original would I sound if I suggested that Ruby Walsh could have another winner here? I've never cared much for originality and Dow Jones' last race was a cracking effort, a reproduction of that would put him bang there in this relatively valuable handicap. The obvious dangers are Professor Muldoon and Super Gale who come here off the back of two decent efforts but in lesser races than the one in which Dow Jones was just beaten in last time.

Race Five is a tricky beginner's chase and my only advice would be to keep a close eye on the markets. Anthony Mullins and Noel Meade have interesting horses in this one and we'll have to keep our fingers on the trigger until a market mover makes himself known.

The last race of the evening over obstacles is the Joe Cooney Memorial Handicap Chase and top weight Ballito will more than likely start favourite. Formerly from John Carr's stable, Ballito made some profitable trips across the water in his time and it's a credit to new trainer George Stanley that the horse is still winning decent prizes. His last win however can be called fortuitous because the race was marred with over ten fallers, the most notable being the race favourite Reisk Superman. I hate to deny a horse credit for winning a race but I couldn't back him with any confidence to repeat the trick. Tony Martin teams up with Ruby with Fakima here and depending on how races pan out before this one that horse could become the race favourite. Any rain would be a negative but the profile of the horse could be one of a potential plot so keep an eye on Betfair throughout the day.

Others horses of note here are The Stillard, who'll have to brush up on his jumping, and White Head who is definitely the dark horse of the race.

The last race of the day is the bumper and there'll probably be tips around for just about every horse in the race...we all know Rooney's Princess will probably win though don't we!? Good luck with your Kilbeggan bets!

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