We run three in the Triumph Hurdle over 2m 1f. Icare Allen (Mark Walsh) showed how well he can jump at Fairyhouse last time and will handle this ground. He has a great each-way chance here. Vauban (Paul) was very good at Leopardstown last time and looks the one to beat today. He too will like the ground. Il Etait Temps (Danny) ran a great race on his first run for us behind Vauban at Leopardstown. While he should go well here, his lack of experience for a race of this calibre might catch him out.
We have five in the County Handicap Hurdle over 2m 1f. Dysart Diamond (Jack Foley) will like the drying ground but has possible reached the top of her handicap mark. Farout (Brian Hayes) is improving but this is a tough task for him. Paul has picked State Man who might lack a bit of experience in a fast run race. However, he could be well handicapped and with a little luck in running could go very close. Tax For Max (Sean O’Keeffe) has experience around here and has a small chance. Tempo Chapter Two (Danny) has lots of experience and the drying ground will be in his favour. He has each-way prospects.
We’ll have four runners in the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle over 3 miles. Classic Getaway (Patrick) will be really suited by the ground and trip and has a big chance. Minella Cocooner (Paul) got a great front running ride from Danny to win at Leopardstown but it might be harder to give him a similar ride in this race. He jumps well and looks sure to go close. Ramillies (Bryan Cooper) would prefer softer ground and lacks experience for a race like this. The Nice Guy (Sean O’Keeffe) is unbeaten and is a mature horse. He keeps his best for the racecourse and has an each-way chance here.
We have three runners in the Gold Cup Chase over 3m 2f. Hopefully, the ground won’t be too quick for Al Boum Photo (Paul). Cheek pieces will be a big help and the trip and track are in his favour. If age doesn’t get the better of him he should be competitive. Asterion Forlonge (Bryan Cooper) keeps making jumping errors but has the ability granted a clear round. Tornado Flyer (Danny) could be favoured by moving up in trip. Danny, who is full of confidence after winning on Flooring Porter, could arrive late at the end of a gruelling race and hopefully get a major share of the spoils.
Billaway (Patrick) runs in the Hunters Chase over 3m 2f. Cheek pieces helped him concentrate at Naas last time and they should have the same effect here. He is in great form and has a big big chance.
We run two in the 2m 4f Mares Chase. Concertista (Paul) is still a novice but has the ability to win this, if not this year then next year. She loves this track and with a clear round could give Elimay something to think about. Elimay (Mark Walsh) showed how good she is when second to Colreevy last year and a repetition of that run could be good enough this time.
We also have two in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle over 2m 4f. Adamantly Chosen (Richie Deegan) was very good at Thurles but probably lacks experience for this. He has a small chance. Five O’clock (Jack Foley) was unlucky in this race two years ago. He hasn’t run since due to training difficulties which is not an ideal preparation. However, he has been in good form at home and we are looking for a big run.
