Mighty Myska Made For Fillies Bumper

There are a number of superb bumper events at Punchestown this week, though Friday’s Fillies Premier Bumper over 2m1f (7.10) is female invitation only, and has attracted some classy sorts.

Kate Apple Of Mullins’ Eye
One such individual is Willie Mullins’ 6yo, Kate Appleby Shoes, a 6yo who certainly knows where the winning post is, having won her last two outings. The first of those was at Gowran Park by 34l, before Katie Walsh partnered her for a 28l victory at Limerick in March (2m, heavy).

At the rate Kate Appleby Shoes is improving, punters can expect even more on Friday, and she should be well fancied in the market.

But, Mullins has plenty more options, both with raced and unraced types. Of those with experience, Captain Carol, was a bumper winner in October, but hasn’t been seen since beaten 20l at Clonmel in December.

A better option could be Myska, who made a winning debut at Clonmel last month when scoring by over 4l (2m, soft). Mullins nominated her for this race straight after that victory, and any market moves could provide clues.

As for Mullins’ runners making their track debut, then Appy Days was sister to a smart bumper winner, while Where’s Me, was out of a 2m4f winner.

Alice To Bounce Back?
Noel Meade also has a talented 5yo in Alice’s Star, a dual hurdles winner in March, prior to pulling up at Fairyhouse last time. Something was clearly amiss that day, and she will need to bounce back here.

Another who has visited the winner’s enclosure is Stuart Crawford’s Danielle’s Journey, an impressive 4l bumper winner at Down Royal in March (2m, soft). This 5yo has improved to record a career best that day and she could progress again on better ground than she had last time.

Dry Ground Una’s Pleasure
A further beneficiary if the ground stays dry is John Walsh’s 6yo, Una Pleasure, who may not have won on her debut, but showed a decent level of form over 2m3f (yielding). She came with a challenge two furlongs out that day prior to fading, suggesting Friday’s drop in trip may suit.

The remaining last time out winners include John Kiely’s 5yo, Pride Of The Braid, who won by 2l at Wexford last month (2m, good), while John Nicholson’s 4yo, The Brock Inn, achieved a similar win at Tramore last month (2m, good).

Others of interest if the market speaks in their favour include Jessica Harrington’s unraced trio Billy’s Hope, Twinkletoes and Regal Empress, with preference for the latter, as she is a full sister to a 2m bumper winner.

Recommended Bets
Plenty of ifs and buts in a race where those with experience may have an edge of the unraced types. If that proves the case, then Willie Mullins’ Myska, was impressive on her debut and is expected to step up on that performance.