Resident tipster
Matt Cooper’s Blog - Khayar looks well treated
Khayar looks well treated returning to flat in Ballinrobe’s opening handicap. Eric McNamara’s 5yo has been running with plenty of credit over hurdles this summer placing twice and winning once from four runs. After placing behind the progressive Redara on his season debut, Khayar went on finishing a gallant second behind House Rules at Listowel before break his maiden over hurdles with a win over tonight’s track.Having progressed to gain a mark of 104 over hurdles he runs tonight of a mark of 57 which is 3lb lower than his last Flat win. With no trip and ground worries he should go close in what looks a moderate event.
Of the opposition Masdar could be better than three runs he has had so far now racing in handicaps while Kristal Komet, who shaped well earlier in the season, could run well if bouncing back from his last run. With 16 runners present at the time of writing Khayar definitely looks worth a play EW at 5/1.
On the same card the 2m4f conditions hurdle appears a decent event with useful performers Psycho and Muirhead in the line-up. My preference is for Tony Martin’s 10yo who is a consistent performer over fences and hurdles. Despite not running his best in the Galway Plate (shaped better than the bare result) he does set a high standard on the pick of his form. Any ease in the ground would boost his chance further.
Of the other runners Muirhead needs should shape fitter than his Tipperary run while Sicilian Secret and Loch Long have it all to do conceding weight to a couple of higher rated rivals. Magical Memoir may be a bigger threat having looked to be an upward curved after finishing second in a decent handicap at Galway last time.
Selections (1-5*)
B 5.50 – Khayar *E/W at 5/1 (Boyles)
