We have two runners in the Turners Novices Chase over 2m 3f. Facile Vega (Paul) steps up in trip but we don’t think that will be a problem. He’s a course winner and will handle the ground. He’s been working well at home and should be a big player. Sharjah (Patrick) will like the trip but the testing conditions won’t suit.
Icare Allen (Mark Walsh) goes for the Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle over 3 miles. We’ve been aimimg him for this race for quite a while. He stays well and needs a test of stamina which he will get here particularly on the soft ground. We have never won this race but maybe this fellow will break our duck.
Capodanno (Mark Walsh) runs in the Ryanair Chase over 2m 4f. He won over 3m 1f here in January and it’s probably not ideal dropping back in trip here. However, the testing ground will put the emphasis on stamina and that will be a big help.
We have three chances in the Stayers Hurdle over 3 miles. Asterion Forlonge (Patrick) runs well here and will stay the trip. He jumps hurdles efficiently and has a small each-way chance. Janidil (Jody McGarvey) wears first-time cheek pieces and reverts to hurdles today. If he doesn’t jump too big he has a little squeak. Sir Gerhard (Paul) looks best of our three. He really likes this track and jumps very well.
We run two in the 2m 4f Handicap Chase. James du Berlais (Daryl Jacob) will like the ground and trip. He has his chance. Glengouly (Danny) is being prepared for the Grand National and ran well last time when second at Gowran in heavy ground.
Paul rides Jade De Grugy in the Dawn Run Mares Novices Hurdle over 2 miles. She is a very good mare who was very impressive when winning at Leopardstown and Fairyhouse. It’s a very competitive race but she’s progressive and will run a big race.
Chavez (Patrick) goes for the Kim Muir Amateur Handicap Chase over 3m 2f. He was beaten when he fell at the last at Leopardstown last time but has a chance if he puts his best foot forward. He is stepping up in trip but we think he’ll stay.
