Bolivar

Bolivar did well to win the 11-furlong conditions’ race at Killarney on Wednesday. He ran fairly wide around the turn past the stands, but he travelled well down the back straight, and he picked up well to hit the front early in the home straight. He was stalked through though by Tasalka, who appeared to be travelling better, and who was delivered by Dylan Brown McMonagle on the stands side, a side which appeared to be favoured all day. Dermot Weld’s filly traded at long odds-on in-running, but Bolivar battled back bravely on the far side to get back up and win by a neck.

It was a game performance by Paddy Twomey’s horse. It wasn’t ideal that he gave away ground at the turn past the stands, but he travelled well, and he battled back well for Wayne Lordan after he had been passed, with the front two finishing nicely clear of their rivals. It was just Bolivar’s third run. He made all the running to win his maiden impressively on his previous run, over 10 furlongs on soft ground at Roscommon.

This was a step up in grade, he handled it well, and he proved that he didn’t have to lead. He obviously handles soft ground well, but he handled good ground too on his racecourse debut at Leopardstown. He saw out this trip well, he should stay a mile and a half at least, and he will be of interest wherever he goes next.

Killarney, 19th August 2020

© SportingLife.com, 24th August 2020