The Big Getaway (Paul) runs in the Ballymore Novices Hurdle over 2m 5f. He was very impressive when winning over 2m 3f at Naas last time and will appreciate this longer trip. He is a fine big galloper who will love this ground. We are expecting him to go close.
We have three runners in the RSA Novices Chase over 3 miles. Allaho (Paul) is a super jumper and will like this trip. He was an easy winner at Fairyhouse last time and we think he has a big chance here. Castlebawn West (Mark Walsh) mightn’t be good enough to win this but he stays and jumps well. He has an each-way chance. Easy Game (Danny) put up a great display against Faugheen last time and will have no problem staying this longer trip.
We run seven in the Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle over 2m 5f. Eglantine Du Seuil (Rachael Blackmore) is a course winner and will be suited by this trip. Bachasson (Patrick) was third at Navan last month and needs to improve a bit to figure here. Franco De Port (Paul) has a bit more weight than we had expected but he has a similar profile to some of our previous Cheltenham handicap winners. He is an improving horse and we think he has a big chance today. Sayo (Mikey Fogarty) is coming back from fences and there was a lot to like about his last run. He will be suited by this ground. Stratum (Robbie Power) is always a player on the big day. He will like the trip but maybe not the soft ground. Mister Blue Sky is a non-runner (lame). Canardier (Danny) is a very interesting horse who is having his first run for us. He has course form and his recent homework has been very good.
Unfortunately Chacun Pour Soi has a foot abscess and won’t run.
We have three runners in the Champion Bumper. Appreciate It (Patrick) was very impressive at Leopardstown and hopefully a repeat of that performance will be good enough to win here. Ferny Hollow (Paul) benefited from a change of tactics at Fairyhouse last time and should give a very good account of himself. Five Bar Brian (David) met with a little setback after winning at Fairyhouse in January but is back working well. He could run into the money at a big price.
