7.45 3m. 11 Declared. Country Fest Wexford August 7 H'cap Hdle of €10,500.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €6,300.00 2nd - €2,100.00 3rd - €1,050.00 4th - €525.00 5th - €315.00 6th - €210.00
FormscanBy Donal Murphy - Journey West is likely to be popular but it might be worth siding with TOP BASANTA. The Dermot McLoughlin trained six-year-old caught the eye when finishing well to take fifth on her handicap debut at Downpatrick in March. She is upped in trip now to three miles and this should suit. The aforementioned Journey West put it all together to oblige at Downpatrick on Friday and it'll come as no surprise if he manages to follow-up. First time blinkers worked the oracle on the Colin McBratney trained gelding as he came home eight lengths to the good. McBratney is also represented by Maura Jeanne and this 91 rated chestnut has definite claims in what is a weak contest. Extreme Cacao was set to finish second at Limerick on his most recent outing but fell at the last and should be able to gain some level of compensation here. Stolen Moment has been running well of late and is sure to have supporters, while six-time winner Brogine and the John McConnell trained Silverstrand (first time tongue-strap) are others that can't be dismissed.
An extended handicap hurdle for four years old and upwards rated 80-95Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race after calculation of the handicap shall carry 7lb extra for each hurdle race won.