Ballarat
Race 3 – Irish Butterfly
Jockey – Richard O’Donoghue
3600m Hurdle
Nine-year-old gelding Irish Butterfly returns to the jumping scene today for the first time since breaking through for a maiden hurdle win nine weeks ago. The son of O’Reilly has kept fit with two flat runs in the interim, and will enjoy the soft conditions on offer on his home track today. Richie O’Donoghue rides in place of the injured Willie McCarthy and can let his jumper settle where comfortable in the run, leaving something in the locker for late in the piece.
Just four rivals to assess, and you can make a case for all, starting with an impressive last start winner in Nassak Diamond, who put nine lengths on her opposition at this track five weeks ago. She was close up behind Affluential on the flat the start prior and has been kept ticking over with a quiet jumpout between runs. Racing well and hardest to beat. Hit The Road Jack was just okay in a good race last time out, finishing third behind a runaway winner. Flat form prior is very good, boasting a recent win over Dashing Duchess, who has won twice since. No surprise to see him around the mark today. Alibey was a nice debut jumps winner last start, while Maatsuyker is enjoying a terrific preparation. Nothing surprises in this.
Irish Butterfly was impressive winning at Warrnambool three starts back and a repeat effort has him right in this. Competitive race, but has the ability to be in the finish.
Currently, Irish Butterfly is an $11 chance in the market.