We have two having their first runs for us in the 4yo maiden hurdle over 2 miles . Diverge (Danny) won and was placed on the flat in France. This is a tough assignment for him but he will come on for the experience. Parmenion (Paul) won a 1m 3f maiden on the flat in France. He lacks a bit of racing experience for a race like this but we’re very happy with his work at home. We’ll be disappointed if he’s not in the firing line here.
We have three in the 2 mile maiden hurdle. Dark Raven (Paul) won a bumper here and was then an impressive winner of the Tattersalls Sales Bumper at Fairyhouse. He jumps well and has been doing everything nicely on the gallops. He should be very competitive here. Houlanbatordechais (Danny) does nice work at home but can be a very difficult ride. Danny gets on well with him and if he can get him to settle he should run a good race. Viva Devito (Keith Donoghue) did well when second on his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse earlier this month. That run gives him an obvious chance here.
We have five runners in the Grade 2 Juvenile Hurdle over 2 miles. Aghaboy (Michael O’Sullivan) won at Ballinrobe and Listowel before finishing down the field behind Lossiemouth at Fairyhouse. His form is not good enough to win but with a change of tactics he could go well. Jourdefete (Jack Foley) was third in an AQPS race in France and is having his first run for us here. He is a backward type who will gain valuable experience today. Lossiemouth (Paul) easily beat Zarak The Brave on her first run for us in a Grade 3 Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse. Paul has picked her today and we think she has every chance of going in again. Gala Marceau (Danny) has her first run for us. She won a flat race and two hurdles in France and that experience could see her run a big race here. Risk Belle (Luke Dempsey) won two hurdles in France before finishing fifth in Lossiemouth’s race at Fairyhouse on her first run for us. She should improve from that run and will have to if she is to get involved today.
Saint Roi (Mark Walsh) goes for the Grade 1 Novice Chase over 2m 1f. He ran a cracker when beaten by Fil D’or at Navan last month. That was his chasing debut and we think he will improve a lot from that experience. It wouldn’t surprise us if he reversed the placings today.
Did I Ask You That (Patrick) makes his debut in the bumper. He is a fine horse who came to us with a good reputation from Pat Doyle. On the evidence of his homework he should be a big player here.
