Kalann proving major bargain Sabrina Harty is hoping bargain buy Kalann can mix it with the best in juvenile hurdles this season after a highly promising jumping debut in Grade Three company at Fairyhouse last week. The lightly raced gelding had been confined to just three starts on the all-weather before his hurdling bow and not surprisingly showed signs of inexperience when second to Toner D'Oudairies. The Curragh handler is expecting her charge to learn a good deal from the run and is excited about the campaign ahead. “He was very green. It was his first run ever on turf. We couldn't get as much schooling into him as we would have liked and he jumped huge,” said Harty. “Previous experience would have helped a lot. He spent all day in the air jumping! It was only the fourth run of his life and you'd have to expect a lot of improvement. “He's entered in the Grade 2 at Leopardstown on St Stephen's day and a maiden the next day. “We'll see what happens and if there is even racing. I'd say we'll aim at the Graded race. He's entitled to run in it on the last day and there is less chance of something going wrong with a smaller field. “The winner was all out the last day and our fellow was only hacking in behind! So we'd be happy enough to take him on again. “He's only still growing and was very backwards as he was a May foal. He really is a nice horse for the future. He only cost me €1,000 so he's been very lucky.” Gary Carson
