09-06-2025
Brave Fortune ready to collect at Roscommon
Roscommon hosts an all-chase card, with the Tote Connacht National Handicap Chase as the feature, but the nap comes in the race prior to the bill-topper, in the shape of Brave Fortune.
Pat Doyle's six-year-old contests the Beginners' Chase, and with a first run over fences under his belt, he looks ready to collect. On that occasion, early last month at Tipperary, he contested a good race and was ridden quite negatively.
Out the back for much of the trip, he made late progress into a never-dangerous third place behind Western Fold and Oscars Brother. While he wasn't in the same league as the winner, it was no harm to see Gordon Elliott's horse follow up in great style in the Mayo National.
With the experience behind the selection, and this looking like a slightly easier task, he is likely to be ridden more prominently and can add a chase victory to his two over hurdles and one in the point to point fields. Luckinthecity, Uncle Pat and Heroes Rise can battle for the minor positions.
The Connacht National is fiercely competitive but Dorans Law has a handy weight, is still unexposed over fences, and ought to go very well. On his most recent outing, early last month at Down Royal, he finished runner-up to Quest With Speed, but that was a fine effort considering it was his first run since late January.
The most pleasing aspect of the race was the way he jumped. For one having his fifth run over fences, he was exceptionally good in that department, and if he can take a small step forward, he will be right there at the close of play. He has long looked capable of bettering her mark in the 110s, and this is a chance to prove it.
Arrycan ran well enough last time out to merit serious consideration, while Donkey Years and Hand Over Fist are also in the reckoning.
Runcok makes his chasing debut in the Castlerea Novice Chase can make it a winning one. Representing Willie Mullins and Sean Cleary-Farrell, who teamed up to complete a double yesterday at Punchestown, the five-year-old has wasted little time over hurdles, and can begin to realise his potential now sent chasing.
