Last Encore could still be well handicapped in competitive Birdcatcher given formidable maiden form

Last Encore rates the one to beat for Joseph O'Brien in this typically competitive nursery after a commanding success at Navan in August.

His debut fourth at Naas was very encouraging given the first and second, Diego Ventura and Magnum Force, have subsequently proved themselves as stakes performers, while the third, fifth, sixth and seventh have all won since.

The Acclamation colt put in another good effort at Sligo when third behind the reopposing Kodilicious, another contest working out remarkably well with the runner-up Rebel Diamond landing his next three, including in Listed company Fairyhouse last month, while the fourth bolted up at Thurles on Thursday.

Last Encore got off the mark at the third attempt in good style at Navan and, although he has to contend with an 8lb higher mark, there should be more to come based on his formidable maiden form.

Michael O'Callaghan holds a strong hand with three contenders, who all have chances. Tommy McJohn reacted well to first-time blinkers when scoring at this track on his handicap debut, while South Shore Island put in decent runs in maiden company, particularly behind Ides Of March at the Curragh.

Michael O'Callaghan: has a strong hand in the BirdcatcherCredit: Patrick McCann

He has performed with credit in two handicaps since, and was headed only close home by Sweet Chariot at Fairyhouse last time. The front two pulled nicely clear of a subsequent winner on that occasion, but O'Callaghan's third runner Manhattan Chute may prove the value.

His sixth-place finish in the valuable Ballyhane auction race at Naas in August reads well given he wasn't far behind smart types like Heavens Gate and Fiery Lucy, while he finished in front of Grande Marques, who ran so well in the Cornwallis Stakes at Newmarket on Friday. He was well held in fourth at Naas last time, but it was a very strong maiden won by Goffs Millions runner-up Antelope Canyon.

Tom McCourt's stable is in flying form with eight of his last 16 runners finishing in the first three, including four winners, so Smoke Them Out has to be taken very seriously after powering clear of Kodilicious on his handicap debut at Cork. 

Alan McIntyre relies on Moonhall Lass and Moonhall Church, who are a few pounds out of the handicap but could run big races at big odds.

Moonhall Lass ran a cracker to be second to a well-handicapped sort in Billie Be Quick at Down Royal.

Moonhall Church has to put a disappointing effort behind her at the Curragh but she was bang in contention until the furlong pole so the drop back in trip looks a good move.

She won a claimer very nicely on her penultimate start at Fairyhouse and has a chance on that form.

What they say

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Last Encore
He's been in good form since Navan and has trained very well for this race. We think he has a live each-way chance.

Tom McCourt, trainer of Smoke Them Out
He's in good form and won very well since Cork. When Robert [Whearty, jockey] set him alight he really picked up, it surprised us a bit. The horses are in good form and when that is the case they can run above themselves. 

Alan McIntyre, trainer of Moonhall Lass and Moonhall Church
Moonhall Lass is 5lb out of the handicap but Wayne Hassett is taking that off. I've always thought plenty of her but she needs to settle over this trip from her draw. Moonhall Church got seven furlongs at Fairyhouse very well but was a bit gassy at the Curragh and faded late on. She's a really good mover, so the ground is an unknown. The two of them worked together on Thursday and we were very happy with them, but their draws probably are not ideal.

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