Mullins eyes Sweet success with Shirleen

1.55 TramoreWaterford & Tramore Supporters Club Handicap | 2m5f | 4yo+ | ATR

Placed in six of her eight starts to date, Sweet Shirleen will be bidding to get her head in front for the first time today. Making her handicap debut in this, the form of her recent second behind Rathnure Rebel at Clonmel got a major boost when that rival went on to win a Grade 3 novice hurdle last Sunday at Cork.

The six-year-old daughter of Kris Kin brings the best overall form to the table, but as a result, she has to shoulder top weight of 11st 12lb.

Sea Scorpion was in the process of running a fine race for Liz Doyle at Limerick last time before unseating at the second last hurdle and he has proven his stamina in the past.

It will be interesting to see how Shark Hanlon’s Honest Robber performs. He had been hunting so well as an 11-year-old and connections decided to give him a belated taste of racecourse action this year. He has run four times to date without any joy, but his handler remains confident that conditions are in his favour today.

Course form on show

The Mooch, Bothair Clei and Kalanisi King have all proven their ability to handle the Tramore undulations in the past.

What they say

Mags Mullins, trainer of Sweet Shirleen
She has been a very consistent filly and she always runs her race. She keeps getting beaten, but she is being beaten fair and square and there are no excuses. She is in very good form and I am hoping she can get her head in front.

Paul Nolan, trainer of The Mooch
His mark over hurdles is a fair bit lower than his chase rating. We are giving him a spin over the smaller obstacles to try and restore his confidence. He was pulled up the last day. He seems in good form in this and I would be happy with a solid run.

Daniel Murphy, trainer of Bothair Clei
He is getting on a bit in years but he retains plenty of spark. He always takes a few races to get going. We are running him over hurdles as his chase mark is a bit high. He won’t mind the ground at all – the more rain the better for him.

Pat Fahy, trainer of Supreme Steel
He was getting into contention at Thurles last time before unseating his rider. I would say, if he is in similar form, he would have a big chance.

Liz Doyle, trainer of Sea Scorpion
He ran very well on his last completed run at Kilbeggan over three miles. He was running well last time at Limerick as well but unseated at the second last flight. I expect him to go well off a low weight on soft ground today.

Shark Hanlon, trainer of Honest Robber
He likes heavy ground – heavier the better. The man that owned him was hunting him and told me he was going really well and that’s why we brought him in as an 11-year-old. He has already run a few times for us but today is the first time that he will get his ground. He has a chance.