We have eight runners in the Grade 1 Mares Novice Hurdle over 2m 4f. Brandy Love (Paul) hung badly left when second to Allegorie De Vassy here in January. If Paul can keep her straight she sets the standard here. Braganza (Sean O’Keeffe) comes here off the back of a great run in the mares novices at Cheltenham and the extra half a mile today will suit. She can’t be left out of calculations. We probably used the wrong tactics on Dinoblue (Mark Walsh) at Cheltenham where she ran too free. A change of tactics today should bring about a lot of improvement and we are expecting a big run. Patrick has elected to use one of his professional rides on Grangee. She was running very well for Bryan Cooper here in Allegorie De Vassy’s race when she fell two out. Hors Piste (Jack Kennedy) looks a staying type so will be suited by this trip but has to improve a lot if she is to get involved at the business end. Mi Lighthouse (Sean Flanagan) takes her chance but her overall form doesn’t look good enough. Night And Day (Daryl Jacob) is having her first run for us. She had a few problems and is only getting to get run at this late stage of the season. She should gain experience today for contesting some of the top mares’ races next season. Statuaire (Danny) did not run up to her best at Cheltenham. We are removing the headgear today to see if that will rekindle her form. Hopefully, Danny can ride a waiting race and come through at the finish. With a bit of luck she will gain some black type before going to stud.
Mt Leinster (Danny) goes for the 2 mile novice handicap chase. He won at Leopardstown last month and his form is improving all the time. It will suit him if the forecast rain doesn’t arrive.
We have two in the Grade 1 Novice Chase over 2m 4f. Galopin Des Champs (Paul) was very unlucky not to win the Turners Novices Chase at Cheltenham and hopefully he can gain compensation today. He had quite a hard race at Cheltenham and we are hoping this race isn’t coming too soon. Any rain would be a big help. Blue Sari (Mark Walsh) has a chance if he can improve from his beginners chase win at Gowran in February.
We run four in the Tattersalls Bumper. Patrick has chosen Lecky Watson and that must be a big pointer to his chance. He does things nicely at home. Icare Desbois (Jody Townend) is a real bumper/hurdle type who shows up well at home. Dr Eggman (Pat Taaffe) is a nice horse by Saint des Saints but is probably more a jumping than a bumper type. Loughglynn (Elliot Ohgren) gallops nicely at home and with his rider’s claim could be an each-way prospect.
