Tekao (Mark Walsh) goes for the 3yo maiden hurdle over 2 miles. He ran well on his hurdling debut at Navan last month and the form of that race has worked out well. We expect him to show significant improvement today and he should be very much involved at the business end.
Dysart Dynamo (Paul) makes his chasing debut in the 2m 1f beginners chase. It’s a tough race but he jumps very well and we think this track will suit his style of running. We are hoping he can make a winning start over fences.
We have three runners in the 2m if Grade 1 Chase. Blue Lord (Daryl Jacob) is a course and distance winner and comes here off the back of wins at Punchestown and Clonmel. This is a great prize and he certainly deserves his place in the line-up. Paul is very happy to ride Chacun Pour Soi who loves it around here. He won this race two years ago and has been in very good at home. We are expecting a big run. Gentleman de Mee (Mark Walsh) was a bit disappointing at Sandown last time but maybe this track will suit him better.
We run four in the Grade 1 Novice Hurdle over 2 miles. Facile Vega (Paul) was very impressive when winning on his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse. His jumping was slick and we’ve been very happy with him at home since. He’s the one to beat here. Il Etait Temps (Danny) has plenty of jumping experience but his rating suggests that this will be a tough task for him. Intranet (Mark Walsh) won a maiden at Punchestown last month and will need to improve if he is to take a hand at the finish today. Ashroe Diamond (Patrick) ran a cracker at Fairyhouse last time and a similar effort here might be rewarded with some valuable black type.
Winter Fog (Kieran Callaghan) has his first run for us in the 2 mile handicap hurdle. He’s been doing well on the gallops at home and it will be interesting to see how he gets on here. He could be good each-way value.
We have nine declared for the valuable Paddy Power Handicap Chase over 3 miles. Paul has chosen Ciel De Neige who has to shoulder top weight. He’s in good form at home but any more rain wouldn’t help his chance. Carefully Selected (Sean O’Keeffe)has won over the course and this distance. It’s his first run back so he could find this tough. Fighter Allen (Ben Harvey) pulled up at Navan last time but maybe this trip will help him improve. Recite A Prayer (Danny) was unplaced at Aintree last time but he’s in good form at home and should run well today. Mr Incredible (Brian Hayes) is having his first run for us and we will know more about him after today. Egality Mans (Michael O’Sullivan) will like this trip and ground. Captain Kangaroo (Kieran Callaghan) could be on a good mark and with Kieran’s 7lb claim he could go close. Stone And Roses (Jack Foley) has been a long time off and will find this difficult. Rambranlt’jac is first reserve and has a nice handy weight if he gets in.
Fact To File (Patrick) makes his racecourse debut in the bumper. He is a lovely horse that we are really looking forward to running. He has won a point to point and this 2m 4f trip and the soft ground will play to his strengths. He should be very competitive.
