TRAMORE PREVIEW 12-AUG-2004 Irish racing is seaside bound on Thursday when the Tramore summer festival swings into action at 5.25pm with a mixed seven-race card.Ruby Walsh could count himself unlucky if he leaves the Waterford track empty handed as he has an excellent chance of notching up a double.Walsh partners Academy Brief in the 2m handicap hurdle for Tom Mullins. The four-year-old ran very well when third at Galway over 2m 2f and should benefit from this drop back in trip.The same trainer-jockey combination team up again in the handicap chase when Bob What takes his place in the line-up. This experienced ten-year-old made his handicap chase debut at Galway over 2m 6f finishing a credible 7th and should find this 2m trip much more to his liking.The opening race of the day, the qualified riders maiden hurdle, looks a facile task for Pat Flynn’s Ballintry Guest. The mount of Niall “Slippers” Madden is head and shoulders above his rivals on form. Madden has an excellent strike-rate at this venue and should not encounter any problems.The Waterford Hurlers Handicap sees Trickstep tackle a very modest field. Lady O’Reilly’s three-year-old showed enough improvement and potential when finishing 2nd at Wexford last month to warrant respect here. He battled well right up to the line over 1m 5f that day and this slightly shorter distance may prove the key.
