We have five runners in the Gallagher Novices Hurdle over 2m 5f. Once we had our Supreme runners sorted it was an easy decision to run Ballyburn (Paul) in this race. We felt with his pedigree he would have no problem with this trip. He has settled in well at the track and he should take some beating. Ile Atlantique (Patrick) has had this race as his target all season. He was unlucky when nabbed close home by Readin Tommy Wrong at Naas last time. We the likely pace here we can change tactics and he will be a force to be reckoned with. We wouldn’t put anyone off backing him. Jimmy Du Seuil (Sean O’Keeffe) will be suited by this race. His jumping is good but not quick enough for the Supreme. He will stay the trip and we feel he hasn’t shown his true ability yet. Mercurey (Brian Hayes) was very impressive at Punchestown where he travelled well throughout. He will benefit from this longer trip and should run a big race. Predators Gold (Danny) found 2m 6f too much at Leopardstown but if he settles over this shorter trip he could be good each-way value.
Fact To File (Mark Walsh) has had the 3 mile Brown Advisory Novices Chase as his target for a while. He jumps well with plenty of speed over his fences. We’re really looking forward to seeing him here.
We have three runners in the Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle over 2m 5f. Lombron (Danny) disappointed in the Moscow Flyer over 2 miles so we are stepping him up in trip here to see how he gets on. Shanbally Kid (Mikey O’Sullivan) is in nice order but needs a career best today. Sa Majeste (Mark Walsh) beat Noble Yeats at Limerick and that horse went on to win here in January so the form is solid. He has a real good chance.
We run two in the Queen Mother Champion Chase over 2 miles. El Fabiolo (Paul) has been favourite for this race for a while. He is in good shape and travelled over well. Hopefully he will bring home the trophy. Gentleman de Mee (Mark Walsh) has been running well enough and deserves his ticket to compete here.
Stattler (Patrick) is our sole representative in the 3m 5f Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase. He has very little cross country experience but schools well. We can put a line through his run at Punchestown last time as they are different fences there. His track form is a match for any of this opposition and we think he’ll run a big race.
Saint Roi (Mark Walsh) goes for the Grand Annual Handicap Chase over 2 miles. He has a good track record here and is coming to himself this week. He should figure prominently.
We have nine running in the Champion Bumper. Argento Boy (Brian Hayes) has numerous Cheltenham winners in his pedigree and will stay all day. He was impressive on his debut at Fairyhouse and we wouldn’t put anyone off backing him. C’est Ta Chance (Daryl Jacob) was only just beaten by William Munny at Navan last time and Barry O’Connell thinks highly of the winner who went on to win at Naas. If our fellow can improve a little he has a chance. Cantico (Paul) won nicely on his second start in a bumper at Navan last month. The nature of this race will suit how he likes to race and he is one for the short list. Fishery Lane (Mikey O’Sullivan) is a backward horse who will benefit from this experience. He will run well but it is hard to see him winning. Patrick has chosen Jasmin De Vaux who does everything right at home. He is a horse that any rider wouldn’t mind riding. Sounds Victorius (Sean O’Keeffe) got the job done at Punchestown at the second time of asking but needs to learn a bit more if he is to get involved today. You Oughta Know (Danny) ran a huge race when second at the Dublin Racing Festival and has to go on anyone’s short list. Fleur Au Fusil (Jody) doesn’t show how good she is at home but looked very good when winning bumpers at Naas and Leopardstown. She has a big chance. Junta Marvel (Rachael Blackmore) had very good form last year when winning at Limerick and Punchestown. She then had training issues so she comes here without a recent run. She will find it hard to be competitive after such a long layoff.
