'He's a really striking type' - Grange Island shows promise for Liam Burke

Trainer: Mark Fahey
6^th, 2m mares bumper, Punchestown, January 18
Despite the week being shortened by the winter weather, there were a few runs of promise to mull over and this debutante caught the eye in an interesting mares' bumper.

Settled in mid-division, she just couldn't pick up when the pace really began to increase over two furlongs out, and she also was forced to race a bit wide in the straight. She was not knocked about when her chance had gone, but proceeded to pick up a little in the last furlong and came home nicely.

She showed ability in the manner she travelled through the race and finished it out, and her inability to pick up at an important stage can certainly be put down to inexperience. She might not be good enough to win a bumper, but she's certainly a mare with a future.

Grange Island
Liam Burke
4^th, 2m maiden hurdle, Clonmel, January 19
Liam Burke has enjoyed a good season, especially with some very promising bumper winners, and this son of Shirocco has shown enough in two runs to suggest he can win a race or two.