We have two runners in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) over 2 miles. Appreciate It (Paul) has done nothing wrong this season and is in tip-top shape. He was second in last year’s Champion Bumper so we know he will handle the track. We’re very happy with him and hopefully he will get our meeting off to a good start. Blue Lord (Daryl Jacob) jumps very well and ran a good race when third to Appreciate It last time. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him finish in the first three.
Franco de Port (Paul) goes for the Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) over 2 miles. He was second to Energumene in the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown but today’s race is over a furlong shorter which won’t be to his advantage. However, he is a grade one winner and is fit and well and could get into the shake-up here.
We will have three runners in the Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) over 2 miles. James du Berlais (Daryl Jacob) was primarily bought to go novice chasing next season. However, on his French form and rating he has a chance of getting into the first four here. Saldier (Danny) has still not returned to his best form but has been trained specially for this race. The likely strong early pace here will suit and a change of tactics from Leopardstown last time might also help. The ground is drying out nicely for Sharjah (Paul). With the strong pace up front he could be landing on tired horses in the last couple of furlongs. He ran well in this race last year and must have a great chance this time round.
We have three runners in the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1) over 2m 4f. Concertista (Paul) bolted up in the mares’ novice here last year and the longer trip today will be no bother to her. We are expecting her to come out on top again here. Great White Shark (Danny) ran a cracker here in the Martin Pipe last year and has each-way prospects. My Sister Sarah (Bryan Cooper) has had a wind operation since her last run and could be placed at a big price.
We run two in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Registered As The Fred Winter) (Grade 3) over 2 miles. Youmdor (Bryan Cooper) will find it tough with top-weight but a return to the form of his win at Gowran Park last November or his Fairyhouse run in January would give him a decent chance today. Saint Sam (Paul) has been following some of the leading lights in this division all season. We think he has a nice mark here and the uphill finish will play to his strengths.
Lord Royal (Paul) runs in the Sam Vestey National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Chase (Grade 2) over 3m 6f. He jumps very well and a change of tactics last time worked out well. He will be staying on at the finish and could gain a share of the place money at least.
