Timeform Irish SmartPlays: Thursday July 17

Timeform
17 July 2014

Evening racing comes from Leopardstown on Thursday

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Timeform turn to Leopardstown's evening card for Thursday's Irish SmartPlays.

"Magnolia Beach has still had only five starts, but has held his own at listed level and went down by just a head when upped in trip in the Ulster Derby on his last run."

Dermot Weld's Initial struggled in heavy ground on his debut but showed marked improvement to chase home the highly-regarded Colour Rhapsody last time out. The seven-furlong trip that day did seem to stretch him however, so tonight's drop to six and ground conditions that keep the emphasis on speed should help him show his best in the 17:50. Johnny Murtagh's Yulong Xiongba could prove the biggest danger, while the unraced Hunt has been the subject of notable market support.

Significant prize money has attracted a quality field for the 10-furlong handicap at 20:30. Magnolia Beach has still had only five starts, but has held his own at listed level and went down by just a head when upped in trip in the Ulster Derby on his last run. With that solid form in the bag and more progress likely, he rates a good bet. Vastonea is exposed by comparison, but has fallen to a workable mark and showed signs of a revival last time out

Pale Mimosa was making her seasonal debut when going down by three and a half lengths to Leading Light at Navan back in May. We all know how well that form has worked out and she should be good enough to take the listed race at 21:00. Certerach has been in excellent form, but will have to concede notable weight to the selection, who could still be improving after just eight runs. Mutual Regard is a reliable performer, though may lack the requisite class against today's rivals.

Timeform Irish SmartPlays
All at Leopardstown

Back Initial in the 17:50
Back Magnolia Beach in the 20:30
Back Pale Mimosa in the 21:00