Tom Weekes’s Ones To Watch

Tom Weekes Tom Weekes shares his thoughts on runners which have recently caught his attention.

Recent Whispers Winners — Ascending Lark (4/7Fav, Ludlow 20th Mar), Banprionsa (6/1, Limerick 23rd Mar), Carrigans Grove (16/1, Dundalk 11th Apr), Currawood (9/4, Cork 19th Apr), Dinoblue (6/4Fav, Cheltenham 14th Mar), Ethical Diamond (8/11Fav, Punchestown 3rd Feb), Jimmy Du Seuil (16/1, Cheltenham 12th Mar), Partisan Hero (9/4Fav, Pontefract 8th Apr), Road Exile (4/9Fav, Limerick 28th Jan), The Other Mozzie (6/1, Ayr 12th Apr), Toad Hall (4/7Fav, Downpatrick 30th Mar), Verdant Place (4/1Fav, Navan 9th Feb), William Munny (4/6Fav, Punchestown 20th Feb),

Lady Iman (IRE)

The first winner by her sire Starman, she was well touted when scoring impressively on her Dundalk debut, with the runner-up and third both scoring subsequently. She looks high-class.

Baroness Orczy (IRE)

Although pulled up on her career debut, she subsequently showed improved form at Naas and again at Ballinrobe in April. She should do well in handicaps, as she should continue to progress.

Naoi (IRE)

Presumably named after her part-owner and Liverpool's famous '9' striker Ian Rush, she is a granddaughter of top filly Finsceal Beo and showed plenty ability - despite being slowly away, to finish third on her Cork debut run.

Zahrann (IRE)

Aga Khan-bred and out of a Group 3 winning dam, he missed the break on debut but finished his race very well to take second. Is sure to benefit from the experience.

Thedeviluno (IRE)

Showed ability on debut before finishing a good second in a Wexford bumper on March 17, when finishing well clear of the remainder. He is suited by good ground and should do well over the coming months.

Begorra Man (IRE)

Showed promise on his debut in a hot Leopardstown Christmas maiden hurdle and then followed home a potentially top class rival in a Punchestown bumper in February. He should win a bumper soon.

Toad Hall (IRE)

Returned on just his second career start following almost two years off when finishing second at Punchestown on February 24. He was a persistent challenger to smart mare Familiar Dreams then and if he stays sound, should do well over staying distances.

Run For Cover (IRE)

Beaten long distances in three maiden hurdles, there was much more to like about her staying-on handicap debut at Punchestown on February 24. She can win from her rating.

Road Exile (IRE)

A point-to-point winner on debut last November, he subsequently finished a nose second in a potentially useful Limerick bumper during Christmas and looks a nice prospect.