We have two runners in the Turners Novices Chase over 2m 3f. Galopin Des Champs (Paul) has a big task taking on Bob Olinger but he is an excellent jumper and a relentless galloper. This will probably boil down to a battle of tactics but he is in great form and it’s all to play for. El Barra (Patrick) has taken an unusual route to get here having won at Limerick just last Sunday. Hopefully, he will get around and pick up some prize money.
We run three in the Ryanair Chase over 2m 4f. Allaho (Paul) was impressive when winning this race under Rachael last year and if Paul can get the same tune out of him today he will be hard to beat. He comes here in excellent form. Janidil (Mark Walsh) has a grade one to his name and if the rain arrives he would have a chance but Allaho won’t be easily beaten. Melon (Patrick) has a great record here. We dropped him in class to win at Gowran last time and that will have helped his confidence. If he gives his usual game performance he should finish in the first three.
Klassical Dream (Paul) goes for the Stayers Hurdle over 3 miles. He was disappointing last time but we probably ran him back too quickly and it just didn’t work out. We are going to draw a line through that run. We are expecting him to come back to his best form today, and if he does, he will be a big force here.
We will have seven runners in the Mares Novices Hurdle over 2m 1f. Statuaire (Danny) won the grade one Royal Bond and if the pace is fast and furious here she will have a chance. Braganza’s (Sean O’Keeffe) jumping is not up to scratch and we are just hoping she finishes in the first six. Brandy Love (Paul) ran a tremendous race against Allegorie De Vassy at Fairyhouse where she hung to the left. Going left-handed here should be an advantage and she looks the one they all have to beat. Dinoblue (Mark Walsh) showed a lot of ability to win a maiden at Clonmel on her only start for us. The form of that race has worked out well. She is a natural jumper and has been working very well at home. While she lacks experience she still must have a big chance. Grangee (Patrick) was going well when she fell two out at Fairyhouse last time and has a small chance here. Heia (Rachael Blackmore) is a smart mare who improved to win a maiden at Fairyhouse last time and is not without a chance. Hors Piste (Bryan Cooper) improved hugely to win her maiden at Clonmel but would have to improve again to finish in the first half dozen here.
