Klassical Dream is a non-runner in the Irish Champion Hurdle.
Elixir D’ainey (Mark Walsh) runs in the grade one novice hurdle over 2m 6f. He ran very well when second to Envoi Allen at Naas last time and that form should make him very competitive here. The trip and ground will suit.
We have four runners in the grade one chase over 2m 1f. Paul has picked Chacun Pour Soi as he thinks he has improved a lot since Christmas. The trip is ideal and he like this track. Cilaos Emery (Danny) is unbeaten over fences and his rating puts him in here with every chance. Duc Des Genievres (Mark Walsh) ran well at Kempton last time and this track will suit him better. However, he will have to run a personal best if he is to be involved. Min (Robbie Power) has won the last two runnings of this race and has a lot going for him today. He looks the one to beat.
We also run four in the Arkle Novice Chase over 2m 1f. Bapaume (Robbie Power) drops back in trip after winning over 2m 3f at Naas last time. He is a slick jumper and has every chance on this ground. Cash Back (Danny) was very impressive at Naas last month and is improving all the time. Melon (Paul) won over this course and distance at Christmas but this is a different class of race. His hurdle mark makes him one of the best in the race but jumping much faster here could be a problem. Royal Rendezvous (Mikey Fogarty) is a good jumper but might find it a tough task to keep up with these.
We will have three runners in the Irish Champion Hurdle (Klassical Dream won’t run). Hopefully Aramon (Danny) and Saglawy (Mark Walsh) might run into a place – that is as much as we can expect of them. Sharjah (Patrick) won over this course and distance in the Matheson Hurdle over Christmas and everything suits him today. He has a good chance.
We have seven in the 2 mile handicap hurdle. Mister Blue Sky will have the benefit of Katie O’Farrell’s useful 5lb claim but needs to improve a lot. Eglantine Du Seuil (Mikey Fogarty) has a lot of weight due to winning at Cheltenham last year and might find this too much. Foveros (Brian Hayes) will love the ground but could find this trip too short. Unexcepted (Mark Walsh) has a nice weight and will like this ground and trip. Tiger Tap Tap (Danny) won over 2m 4f last time but has enough gears for this shorter trip. He will like this ground. Paul has opted for Buildmeupbuttercup who has a lovely weight and the trip and ground won’t be a problem. Fan De Blues (Conor McNamara) is very experienced and with his rider’s 5lb claim he must have a huge chance.
Appreciate It (Patrick) goes for the winners bumper. He won over 2m 4f here at Christmas and we don’t think that the drop back to 2 miles here will be too much of a problem. He has every chance.
