El Barra (Paul) runs in the 2 mile maiden hurdle. He ran very well when second at Navan last time and that form puts him in here with a chance. It would be great if the drier ground brings about some improvement in him.
We have three in the 2 mile novice hurdle. The nice ground will suit all three. Grand Bornand (Danny) could improve but this is a hot race and a first three finish would be good. Likewise M C Muldoon (Patrick) may not be up to winning this and a share of the place money is probably all we can hope for. Echoes In Rain (Paul) beat a subsequent Cheltenham winner by 8 lengths and that form stands out here. She could be open to the most improvement of our three.
We run four in the 2m 4f Grade 1 Mares Novice Hurdle. Gauloise (Paul), Glens Of Antrim (Luke Dempsey) and Hook Up (Danny) were all disappointing at Cheltenham and would need to step up if they are to get involved at the business here. Royal Illusion (Bryan Cooper) goes here fresh and will love the ground. There is also no doubt about her stamina over this trip.
We also have four runners in the 2m 4f Novice Hurdle. Paul has picked Egality Mans who just might prefer softer ground than he is likely to encounter today. Frere Tuck (Mikey Fogarty) is really more a chaser than a hurdler and might find this tough. Power Of Pause (Bryan Cooper) will appreciate this ground more than our other three and that could bring into the mix. Rambranlt’jac (Danny) is course winner but lacks the experience for a race like this.
We run three in the Novice Handicap Chase over 2 miles and they will all be suited by the ground. Yukon Lil (Paul)is running back quickly after winning at Limerick last week. She has to concede weight all round here but is not without a chance. Harrie (Bryan Cooper) was fourth over 2m 4f at Naas last time and will appreciate the drop back to 2 miles today. Andalusa (Danny) has a nice weight but this is a tall order for her.
We have three runners in the 2m 4f Grade 1 Novice Chase. Asterion Forlonge (Paul) ran very well at Cheltenham and has his chance on this ground. Franco De Port (Bryan Cooper) was very disappointing at Cheltenham but the extra half a mile here will suit. Janidil (Jody McGarvey) is the fresher of our three and hopefully he will jump better than he did on the last couple of occasions.
Dark Raven (Patrick) goes for the valuable Tattersalls Sales Bumper. He was very good on nice ground at Leopardstown and that race should have brought him on. If he runs the same race again he must have a big chance.
