Julio returns to the fray quickly after smooth Limerick win

7.40 Ballinrobe
McGrath Limestone Works Ltd Handicap Hurdle | 2m6f | ATR

Presenting Julio is at the peak of his powers right now and Gordon Elliott knows it.

The nine-year-old has been busy this summer. This will be his sixth start since May and the only real blot on his copybook was when he almost refused to come out of the stalls with Lisa O'Neill in the Ladies' Derby at Ripon last month.

Other than that, Presenting Julio has been a revelation of late with wins at Downpatrick, Roscommon and Limerick, as well as a near miss at Kilbeggan.

His latest success came at Limerick on Saturday, a smooth victory for which he received a 9lb hike from the handicapper. However, he only has a 4lb penalty here so is officially 5lb well in. It is no wonder Elliott is keen to keep him going.

Last year's winner Little Haarth is back to bid for an encore. He was a most impressive nine-length scorer 12 months ago off a mark of 115 and is actually 3lb lower in his bid for a repeat. Also, Davy Russell is booked so it would be foolish to underestimate him.

Few could begrudge Pat's Pearl a change of luck. She has filled the runner-up spot on her last three starts, including twice at Ballinrobe, and will surely be rewarded for consistency sooner rather than later.

What they say

Karl Thornton, trainer of Manuka
He keeps creeping up the handicap without winning but he's been running well so we can't complain too much. He seems to like Ballinrobe and always runs well there even though you wouldn't think it would be the type of track that suits him.

Dessie McDonogh, trainer of Little Haarth
He won the race last year so I hope he remembers that! He likes it there and he's a consistent horse who ran quite well at Downpatrick last time. He seems in good form but might need to come down the handicap a pound or two.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Presenting Julio
He seems in good form and we have to try to strike while the iron's hot. He got 9lb from the handicapper for winning at Limerick the other day and he only has a 4lb penalty here, so we had to take our chance even though I'd have liked a little more time between races for him.

Shane Ryder, trainer of Lisa's Legacy
The handicapper might just have a grip of him. He ran quite well at Downpatrick and hopefully we can pick up a bit of prize-money and give the owners a trip to Galway.

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