We have seven runners in the Triumph Hurdle over 2 miles. Kargese (Danny) can be a bit free but she did well at Leopardstown when beating Storm Heart (Paul) and Majborough (Mark Walsh) with Bunting (Sean O’Keeffe) in fourth, Ethical Diamond (Mikey O’Sullivan) sixth and Highwind (Rachael Blackmore) eight. Paul has chosen Storm Heart here so he obviously thinks he can improve enough to finish in front of Kargese today. Of the six that ran in Leopardstown, the one that could improve the most is Majborough who has been working very well and should handle the ground. He is a fine big horse who jumps well. Salvador Mundi (Brian Hayes) has been showing up well on the gallops but might find this a tough assignment on his first run for us.
We run five in the County Handicap Hurdle over 2 miles. Zenta (Mark Walsh) was third in the Triumph last year and has been doing things nicely at home. Westport Cove (Mikey O’Sullivan) got wound up before the bumper last year and needs to relax if he is to figure. Bialystok (Danny) was going well when brought down two out at Leopardstown but would prefer better ground. Absurde (Paul) is in great form but is another who would like firmer underfoot conditions. Risk Belle (Jody McGarvey) likes this track and has improved at home recently. She has a great chance.
We also have five runners in the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle over 3 miles. Paul has picked Readin Tommy Wrong who will benefit from going out in trip and is unbeaten in five runs for us. We’re expecting a big run. Dancing City (Danny) will also like the trip and will handle the ground. High Class Hero (Patrick) has done everything right so far and should go very well again. Spread Boss Ted (Sean O’Keeffe) is improving all the time but the soft ground is a little worry for him. Lecky Watson (Brian Hayes) was too free when third to Readin Tommy Wrong at Naas so we will probably change tactics with him here. He could run into a place.
Galopin Des Champs (Paul) attempts to win back to back Cheltenham Gold Cups. He has been in terrific form at home and has settled in very well at the track. We just need a bit of luck! Monkfish (Patrick) loves this track and soft ground. If he can reproduce anything like his old form he should get into the money.
Billaway (Patrick) goes for the Hunters Chase over 3m 2f. He stayed on strongly at Naas last time but will find this tough at 12 years of age.
We have three in the Mares Chase over 2m 4f. Dinoblue (Mark Walsh) was second to El Fabiolo over 2m 1f at Leopardstown last time and should be fine with the step up in trip today. She’s in great form and should be very competitive. Allegorie De Vassy (Paul) will handle the ground and trip. We’ve been very happy with her homework and she has a big shout. The testing ground will be a big advantage for Instit (Danny) and hopefully she runs well.
We run two with nice chances in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle over 2m 4f. Quai De Bourbon (Mikey O’Sullivan) is improving all the time and could be on a lenient handicap mark. We’re quietly confident. Ocastle Des Mottes (Kieran Callaghan) ran well in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury last month. His jumping was too slow for 2 miles so he is going out in trip today but will need a career best.
