LIFFEY RIGHT IN THE SWIM

Karl Hedley keeps track on contenders across the water as the Flat picks up pace

- Karl Hedley

Cheltenham, Aintree, Fairyhouse and Punchestown have all come and gone and it now seems appropriate to focus on possible contenders for the upcoming Flat season. The campaign began at the end of last month and I have highlighted below some of the best performances seen so far at this early stage. With the Classic meetings and Summer Festivals just around the corner it could be well worth following some of those rising stars and well handicapped sorts mentioned below.

The Liffey Swim was tough at the business end as he made a winning debut in the 3yo colts and geldings maiden at Gowran Park earlier in the month.

Racing over a mile, the Kodiac gelding was soon at the head of affairs from the well-supported favourite Wild Sapphire who was also away well from gate one on this his third outing.

Colin Keane let his mount stride on, but they were challenged by Wild Sapphire racing into the final quarter of a mile.

Try as Wild Sapphire and Chris Hayes did, they couldn't get on terms with the leader who found plenty throughout the final furlong.

The winner rolled home by a length from the 'jolly' with easy-to-back Gran Habano two and a-half lengths back in third at a half decent price.

Michael O'Callaghan said: “He’s a fine, big horse that has taken plenty of time. He’s by Kodiac out of a Shamardal mare, a cross that has worked very well.

“We only had the cheek pieces on him today because he’s been a real sleeper at home, very switched off, and it was more so that today wouldn't be a waste of a run to keep him sharpened up and help Colin along. Colin said he was always doing enough and when the other horse came to him, it (cheek pieces) just helped him, and he saw it out well. He saw out the mile well and I'd say he could stay a mile and a quarter.”

Top Of The Pops made most in the subsequent Handicap at Gowran Park to spring a 25/1 surprise also racing over the mile.