Jade De Grugy (Paul) makes her hurdling debut on her first run for us in the 4yo maiden hurdle over 2m 4f.She won over 1m 4f in France and has been doing everything right at home. Our only concern is that, being by Doctor Dino, how she will handle very soft ground.
We run two in the beginners chase over 2m 5f. Fact To File (Mark Walsh) ran very well on his chasing debut at Navan and with that experience behind him he should be hard to beat today. Everything suits and this looks like a nice opportunity to get off the mark over fences. Minella Crooner (Paul) has a lot of ability and will like the ground. However, lack of a recent run could tell against him.
Asterion Forlonge (Paul) goes for the Grade 1 Jack de Bromhead Hurdle over 2m 7f. We have elected to go back over hurdles here with a view to aiming him at the Stayers at Cheltenham. The recent rain will suit and he could spring a mild surprise here.
We have five declared for the Grade 1 Savills Chase over 3 miles. Appreciate It (Sean O’Keeffe) loves this track and has good recent form. If things go right he has every chance of getting a share of the prize money. Capodanno (Brian Hayes) needs to find a little on ratings if he is to get involved. Galopin Des Champs (Paul) disappointed a little at Punchestown last time and will find it tough to turn the tables on Fastorslow here. He is the highest rated horse and this will tell us if he is nearly back to his best. I Am Maximus (Jody McGarvey) is a grade one winner over a shorter trip and has proved he stays well. At 7 years old he could be anything and today’s race will tell us where we could go with him. Janidil (Mark Walsh) ran a great race at Clonmel last time and we think he will handle this ground.
M C Muldoon (Paul) runs in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle Qualifier over 2m 7f. Hopefully he will qualify for the final today but he would prefer much better ground.
Sounds Victorius (Jody) makes his debut in the bumper. He is a nice bumper type who works well at home. We are hoping for the best.
