We have six runners in the opening Supreme Novices Hurdle over 2 miles. Asian Master (Tom Costello) surprised us when he won a maiden hurdle at Thurles on his first run for the yard. He followed up by winning impressively at Navan in January. He is a slick jumper who will give Tom a great ride and could be nice each-way value at a big price. Gold Dancer (Danny) has been disappointing on his two outings for us. We think he will run better today but he will find it difficult to get into the first four. Mistergif (Daryl Jacob) was spectacular when winning at Limerick. He jumps like a handicapper and has a big each-way chance. Mystical Power (Mark Walsh) was very impressive when winning the Moscow Flyer at Punchestown and has a great chance here. Supersundae (Patrick) is having his first run for us. He really needs a longer trip but is one to keep an eye on for next year. Paul has picked Tullyhill who was outstanding when winning at Naas and Punchestown. He has a major chance.
We run three in the Arkle Novices Chase over 2 miles. Gaelic Warrior (Paul) eventually unseated behind Fact To File at Leopardstown but we are prepared to draw a line through that run. He has schooled very well since and dropping back to 2 miles today will help.He is in good form and we think he will be very competitive. Hunters Yarn (Daryl Jacob) has been improving all the time and deserves his chance here. He will need a career best but it’s an open race. Danny has won two grade ones on Il Etait Temps and he has every chance over this trip. He jumps fences better than he did hurdles.
Meetingofthewaters (Mark Walsh) has changed ownership and goes for the Ultima Handicap Chase over 3m 1f. This race has proved a good trial for the Grand National which is his ultimate objective. He has every chance in a race that is always tough to win.
We have two runners in the Champion Hurdle over 2 miles. State Man (Paul) is in very good form coming here. He handles this track very well and hopefully this will be his year. Fingers crossed! Zarak The Brave (Daryl Jacob) is fully entitled to run here but the ground may just be too soft for him.
We have four in the 2m 4f Mares Hurdle. Patrick retains the ride on Ashroe Diamond who won easily at Doncaster in January. She’s improving and maturing all the time and should be very competitive. This might be Echoes In Rain (Brian Hayes) second last or last run before being retired to the paddocks. She will have a hood back on today and she has an each-way chance. Gala Marceau (Danny) disappointed badly at Punchestown last time but has a chance if she puts her best foot forward. Lossiemouth (Paul) won the Unibet Hurdle very easily here in January. She should improve off that run and has a favourite’s chance here.
We run three in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle over 2 miles and it is probably significant that Paul didn’t put his hand up to ride any of them. Batman Girac (Daryl Jacob) ran much better at Leopardstown at Christmas and is open to improvement. Miss Manzor (Danny) and Karia Des Blaises (Sean O’Keeffe) both benefitted from a change of tactics when first and second at Fairyhouse last time but this is a hot race to be thinking of winning.
Patrick rides Embassy Gardens in the Maureen Mullins NH Novices Chase over 3m 6f. He loves jumping and gallops and stays all day. He got quite excited in the Albert Bartlett here last year so he will wear a first-time hood today and hopefully that will about more improvement.
