We have two runners in the hunters chase over 3m 1f. Billaway (Patrick) fell at Cheltenham but with a clear round here he could be hard to beat. He was beaten by today’s rival Ferns Lock at Thurles in January by that was Billaway’s first run back and we think he can turn that form around here. Annamix (Charlie Mullins) fell in the Tetratema at Gowran last time and would need the ground to dry up considerably to have any chance.
We also run two in the mares novice chase over 2m 5f. Allegorie De Vassy (Paul) ran a cracker when second in the mares chase at Cheltenham and has been in great for since she came home. She has won twice around here and we are expecting her to get back to winning ways today. Instit (Danny) is a course and distance winner and if she puts her best foot forward she could finish in the first three.
Seabank Bistro (Paul) goes for the 3 mile novice handicap hurdle. He was very disappointing in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham but could be each-way value here if he can put that run behind him.
We have four in the Grade A Handicap Hurdle over 2 miles. Tax For Max (Paul) was a little disappointing in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham but maybe dropping back in trip today will bring out the best in him. Power Of Pause (Jack Foley) had a training setback which has kept him off the track for two years. Today’s run might put him right for the Punchestown festival. Horantzau D’airy (Danny) is still a maiden over hurdles but this is a big prize so we are letting him take his chance. Risk Belle (Mark Walsh) led on the run-in before finishing a close third in the Boodles at Cheltenham and has a nice light weight here. She should be very competitive.
We have three good chances in the mares listed bumper. Patrick has picked Arctic Fly who looked useful when winning on debut at Leopardstown last month. Cuta Des As (Pat Taaffe) was an impressive winner at Down Royal and could improve a lot. West End Victory (Jody Townend) stayed on well to win at Thurles and is another open to improvement.
