1:40 – Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle
He is likely to be a relatively short price but there is no doubt that the most exciting horse running on the Limerick card this Sunday is the Emmet Mullins trained FERONILY. A Point-to-Point winner at Rathcannon in November, he fetched €45,000 at the November Cheltenham sale. After 2 runs in top level bumpers, where he chased home Ile Atlantique at Christmas and then finished 3rd to subsequent Cheltenham festival hero A Dream to Share at the Dublin Racing Festival, he was pitched into Grade 2 company on his hurdles debut at Kelso earlier this month.
Although he eventually finished 4th, he was travelling like the winner before a bad error at the 2nd last put pay to his chance. Dropped back into maiden company he should make light work of this field.
2:50 – Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle
Although he is only a 7-year-old, CAFÉ CON LECHE is already with his 4th trainer, and it has been some time since he managed to get his head in front. Twice a winner during his time with Denis Hogan, including a win here in March 2020, he made his first start for Charles Byrnes when he finished 6th at Navan last Monday. That effort was a marked return to form where despite a relatively quiet ride, he travelled sweetly into the race before tiring in the closing stages.
That was his first start since November, and he was entitled to need the run after a break, and it is interesting to see his new connections turn him out so quickly. Any market support would be an obvious plus, but he proved last week that he retain his ability and a mark of 112, aided by a slight drop in class, could be just what he needs to get his head in front.
