Oxx aims for Birdcatcher glory with Zizi The Birdcatcher Nursery has been relegated to the fourth most valuable event on what was traditionally its card at Naas, but the prestigious handicap for juveniles still looks a competitive event. Nine of the 11 runners make their first start in handicap company and that makes the six-furlong contest quite the puzzle for punters. John Oxx has endured a quiet enough season with just nine winners on the board, but Miss Zizi looks to have a solid shout for the Currabeg handler in the 50,000 euros contest. The daughter of Dandy Man ran a cracker on her third outing at Fairyhouse last month when making odds-on shot Threeandfourpence work hard for his victory. The winner lines up in the Dewhurst on Saturday and while he probably wasn't best suited by conditions last time, it still looked a big effort by Oxx's charge. She has been given a rating of 77 for her handicap debut now and that could be a lenient mark for a progressive looking filly. Cristale looks an interesting runner for Jessica Harrington having sprung a 25-1 shock at Dundalk on her last start. She also looks a filly that is coming to herself but tackling softer ground conditions now is a bit of an unknown. There are two Listed contests on a competitive card and Pat Smullen will be hoping Making Light can give him another winner in the Garnet Stakes. Dermot Weld's charge ran a cracker in testing conditions when just losing out by a neck in the Hurry Harriet Stakes at Gowran in mid-August. She was perhaps a bit below that form when seventh in Group Three company at the Curragh subsequently but that was less then two weeks later. Having enjoyed a bit of a break since she looks capable of giving a big show in the mile contest now.
