Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 5f
Impaire Et Passe (Paul) was very impressive when winning the Moscow Flyer at Punchestown. He’s been working really well at home and the recent rain is a further boost to his chance. He could be the one to beat. Gaelic Warrior (Patrick) has been climbing up the ranks and tackles his first grade one today. We think the extra trip will bring further improvement and if there is one to spoil the Impaire Et Passe party it could be him. Champ Kiely (Danny) won the grade one Lawlors of Naas Hurdle last time and that form puts him in the picture here. However, he will have to improve on that run to win. Ho My Lord (Mark Walsh) is the least experienced of ours but we think he is a grade one horse in the making. He is a horse to follow and has a definite each-way shout here.
Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase 3 miles
Sir Gerhard (Paul) has won twice around here and could be the best horse in this race. However, he lacks chasing experience but if he can overcome his inexperience he could be hard to beat. Ramillies (Bryan Cooper) is entitled to run here but needs a career best if he is to get involved. We supplemented Adamantly Chosen (Brian Hayes) but we would prefer if the rain hadn’t arrived. He has improved all season and deserves his place in the line-up. Bronn (Daryl Jacob) is a typical 3 mile staying chaser who jumps well. However, he would need to find considerable improvement to figure. I Am Maximus (Danny) had a great record around here for Nicky Henderson. He tends to jump to his left so this track suits. As a graded horse he could be good each-way value.
Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle 2m 5f
Scaramanga (Jack Foley) will like the trip but unfortunately there has probably been too much rain for him. Icare Allen (Mark Walsh) disappointed in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury where he looked like he needs a trip like this. Tax For Max (Danny) will improve for this longer trip. Danny will have to settle him early and then smuggle him into the race. He has an each-way chance.
Queen Mother Champion Chase 2 miles
All the rain will suit Energumene (Paul). He has been working well and will improve from his run the Clarence House. Hopefully, he can repeat last year’s performance in what will be a very tactical affair.
Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase 3m 6f
Franco De Port (Patrick) starts his new career over cross country fences. He was third in the French Gold Cup last year and has schooled well over these fences. He is an each-way prospect.
Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase 2 miles
Dinoblue (Luke Dempsey) is a novice running in his first handicap and faces a tough task. Dads Lad (Brian Hayes) likes this track and is not without a chance.
Weatherbys Champion Bumper 2 miles
It’s For Me (Paul) was visually very impressive when winning at Navan and has every chance here. Patrick has picked Fact To File. Being a 6yo is a definite advantage and he has the stamina that will be required after two days racing on soft ground. Fun Fun Fun (Daryl Jacob) was hugely impressive when winning at the Dublin Racing Festival particularly as we thought she would need the race. She has improved since so she has a definite winning chance. Chapeau De Soleil (Brian Hayes) hung across the track when finishing second at Fairyhouse but that shouldn’t be an issue here. Being a maiden is not ideal but on his homework he has a good chance. We were lucky to get Rachael for Western Diego who was very impressive over an extended trip at Naas. That run puts him right in the picture here. Westport Cove (Danny) has plenty of stamina and will like the ground. Loughglynn (Mikey O’Sullivan) put up a huge performance to get up at Naas and he has plenty of reserves which will be needed here. He can’t be left out of calculations. Chosen Witness (Sean O’Keeffe) won very well when forcing tactics were employed at Limerick and the ground is coming to his liking. Lecky Watson (Jack Foley) won but lost the race in the stewards’ room so he is still a maiden. He would need a career best to figure here. Captain Cody (Jody Townend) has surprised us with two good runs and has a small each-way chance.
