Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2 miles
Dark Raven (Daryl Jacob) was third to Il Etait Temps at Leopardstown last time and a more positive ride here could pay dividends. He’s been doing nicely at home but will need a career best to finish in the first three. Diverge (Patrick) won his maiden at Punchestown by a wide margin and being by Frankel he could be anything. His lack of experience is the only negative and he must have a great each-way chance. Facile Vega (Paul) is a winner here and has been working very well at home. We are drawing a line through his run at Leopardstown last time and we will use different tactics here. The soft ground will be a help and we’re confident of a really big run. Il Etait Temps (Danny) is a second season novice and that is a big advantage. He has improved since winning at Leopardstown and looks great each-way prospect.
Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) 2 miles
Dysart Dynamo (Danny) was fourth to El Fabiolo at Leopardstown but the shorter trip here will be more to his liking. This track will suit his positive way of racing. El Fabiolo (Paul) was very good at Leopardstown and is in tremendous form. He will handle the ground and his run against Jonbon last year suggests that he could be hard to beat here. Ha D’or (Sean O’Keeffe) needs a career best to finish in the first four. Saint Roi (Mark Walsh) is a course winner and the soft ground is a big plus. He loves coming off a fast pace and is not one to leave out of calculations.
Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) 2 miles
State Man (Paul) won over the New Course here last year and that is a big advantage. He is improving all the time and is in the form of his life. Vauban (Danny) also has the advantage of being a Cheltenham winner but this is a big task for a 5yo. He is in good form and with a bit of luck should get a decent share of the prize money.
Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle 2m 4f
Brandy Love (Paul) had a rushed preparation before finishing third at Punchestown last time. She is in great form and will love the ground and trip. She has a lot of ability but this is one of the hottest races of the festival. Echoes In Rain (Patrick) disappointed in this race last year but maybe different tactics today will be a help. She has every chance of a top three finish. Shewearsitwell (Danny) ran very well when winning at Leopardstown over Christmas but will need to be at her best to finish in the first four.
Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle 2 miles
Tekao (Mark Walsh) has been doing everything right at home and with a clear round will take all the beating. Risk Belle (Luke Dempsey) has a definite each-way chance if her fall at Leopardstown hasn’t affected her confidence.
National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Novices’ Chase 3m 6f
Gaillard Du Mesnil (Patrick) has the benefit of being a second season novice. He ticks all the boxes and hopefully he’ll give Patrick another NH Chase win. Tenzing (Noel McParlan) has surprised us by the way he has improved this season. He will love this trip and has the assistance of Noel McParlan who rides this track well.
