The Big Westerner poised to put in a big bid as she takes step up to Grade 2 company at Limerick

This is an intriguing six-runner race headlined by Henry de Bromhead's The Big Westerner, who looked a fine prospect when landing a Punchestown maiden hurdle on her racecourse debut last month.

A point winner and a half-sister to the smart Stay Away Fay, she quickened sharply approaching the final flight and would have won with a bit more in hand than the eventual one length had she jumped it more fluently. 

It wasn't a particularly sharply run 2m5½f and she's clearly not short on speed, given how she scampered clear, but this step up in trip is bound to suit on breeding.

The form of the race isn't to be taken lightly either as she pulled clear of useful bumper winner Argento Boy, while there were some nice types behind, including two bumper winners in Springt De La Mare and Flemensface. 

Her closing sectionals were quite rapid too, so everything points to her taking this step up in grade in her stride, and she seems another smart mare for the Mariga family.

Fleur In The Park was unlucky not to score in Grade 2 company last time as he just couldn't shake off The Yellow Clay in the closing stages, having hit the basement price in running. 

This step up in distance should suit him and he has solid claims, but the each-way play is Mozzies Sister, who finished five lengths adrift in third on the same day. She landed a good bumper at Down Royal and put in a very promising effort in Listed company at Gowran when chasing home Aruntothequeen in an event that produced a very strong time figure.

She was eyecatching at Navan last time when she just got a touch outpaced in a slowly run race before running on quite well. She stayed well in her bumpers, so this distance should be right up her street and a chance can be taken on her.

Mister Pink and Minella Sixo do battle again after the latter got the better of the argument at Thurles last time. He has since finished runner-up to Pray Tell in Grade 3 company and will need to better that effort to get back to winning ways here, while Prends Garde A Toi will also need a big step forward to be involved in the finish.

What they say 

Andy Slattery, trainer of Fleur In The Park
He's in great form and he'll like the ground. I think this is the trip he's always wanted and he seems to have a few things in his favour. We always had him down as a three-mile chaser in soft ground in the making so I think the step up in trip can improve him again.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Minella Sixo and Prends Garde A Toi
Minella Sixo never runs a bad race. He stays well and he’ll be bang there again. Prends Garde A Toi ran in a hot handicap at Navan last time, and will need to improve upon that here.

Declan Queally, trainer of Mozzies Sister
She was probably only 80 per cent ready going to Navan as we gave her a nice break after Galway. I'd be hoping she's fairly ready going here and we're hoping for a good show. It turned into a bit of a sprint at Navan and you'd be happy with how she hit the line. I think an extra three furlongs will help her and hopefully she could pick up some more black type. It's a competitive race and there doesn't seem to be much between the six of them.

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of The Big Westerner
We were delighted with her at Punchestown and she’s done well since. She’s a lovely mare and we’re looking forward to seeing how she gets on.

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