Na Trachtalai Abu aims for more gold in Kilbeggan

With a total prize fund of 20,000 euro up for grabs, the Like Kilbeggan Races On Facebook Handicap Chase is the feature event in Co Westmeath today.

A field of 12 runners have been declared for the three-mile-one-furlong contest, with the weights headed by the Joseph O’Brien-trained Exactoris, who was badly out of form in the first half of last season and runs for the first since December.

The one to beat is James Motherway’s Na Trachtalai Abu, who bids to follow up last month’s comprehensive success at Punchestown.

His chief rivals include Justmemyselfandi, who ran his best race over fences to date when narrowly beaten by Peace News at Down Royal last time out, and Nobody Home, who already has a Kilbeggan victory to his name.

The seven-race card gets under way with the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle, in which Santiago De Cuba is likely to be a warm favourite.

Trained by Joseph O’Brien for JP McManus, the son of Pour Moi won a Killarney bumper last summer before two creditable efforts over obstacles.

He returned from an eight-month absence to finish third at Punchestown almost three weeks ago and with that run likely to have sharpened him up, Santiago De Cuba should prove very hard to beat.

Three last-time-out winners feature in a seven-strong field for the Bloomfield House Hotel Mares Hurdle.

Willie and Danny Mullins team up with recent Limerick victor Bang Bang Rosie and Punchestown winner Holding Pattern represents Jessica Harrington and Robbie Power.

The other mare who was successful on her most recent appearance is Gordon Elliott’s Osco Mosco, but Jack Kennedy’s mount may be at a slight disadvantage having been off the track since November.

The Mid Summer Monday 25th June Race Evening Beginners Chase is a decent heat for the time of year.

O’Brien’s Hardback probably sets the standard after chasing home Le Martalin at Killarney last month. The Mullins-trained Pravalaguna, who was fourth that day, reopposes this weekend.

Elliott’s Eshtiaal only made it as far as the first fence on his chasing debut here, but is a talented performer on his day, while Capital Force is an interesting contender for Henry de Bromhead, despite this being his first outing since October.