We have four runners in the 3yo Grade 3 Hurdle over 2 miles. Aghaboy (Sean O’Keeffe) unseated rider early in the race at Auteuil last time but had won his previous two outings. This is a big step up in class for him. Zarak The Brave (Paul) surprised us a little by how easily he won over this course and distance last month. He will improve from that experience and we are expecting a big run today. Risk Belle (Rachael Blackmore) is a strong mare who won twice over hurdles in France. She’s a real each-way contender here. Lossiemouth (Danny) was very impressive when winning a hurdle at Auteuil and has been showing us plenty at home. We will be disappointed if she isn’t involved at the business end here.
We also run four in the competitive Royal Bond Hurdle over 2 miles. Champ Kiely (Paul) won easily at Galway and Tipperary and, while this is a step up, we are confident he has the ability to be very competitive. Hercule Du Seuil (Luke Dempsey) showed great determination when winning at Navan last time and a similar run would put him right in the picture today. Polo Lounge (Danny) won a maiden at Limerick last time and is improving. The ground will suit if there is no rain. Ashroe Diamond (Patrick) is another who wouldn’t want any rain. She deserves to take her chance here.
We run five in the Drinmore Chase over 2m 3f. Adamantly Chosen (Brian Hayes) will like the ground and trip and comes here off the back of winning his last two outings. Authorized Art (Danny) has won his last three and could run go very close. El Barra (Jack Foley) won at Cork last time and has the advantage of being a course winner here. Paul has picked Gaillard Du Mesnil who has plenty of experience but is still a maiden over fences. Ideally he might prefer further. Shadow Rider (Luke Dempsey) probably needed the run when making mistakes and eventually pulling up behind El Barra at Cork. He will be competitive if the rain arrives and there is a dig in the ground.
We have three in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle over 2m 3f. Klassical Dream (Paul) is the highest of ours on official ratings but at this stage of his career he probably needs another few furlongs. However, if it’s a fast run race it might bring him into it. Saldier (Danny) was third to Sate Man in the Morgiana but really wants a longer trip. Hopefully, he will run into a place. Patrick thinks Echoes In Rain is open to further improvement. She was second in the Irish Cesarewitch last time but hasn’t really got the rating to win this.
Icare Allen (Paul) goes for the Grade A Handicap Hurdle over 2 miles. He has a lot of weight for a horse that is not the biggest. He shows more at home than he does on the track but being a course and distance winner is a big plus.
Chapeau De Soleil (Patrick) has his first run for us in the bumper. He won a point to point for Colin Bowe and he’s doing everything we ask of him at home. He’s an exciting horse to have in the yard and we’re hoping for the best
