Ballyburn (Paul) runs in the 2m 4f maiden hurdle. He was second on his hurdling debut over 2 miles at Fairyhouse last time. This trip will be more to his liking and we’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t shed his maiden hurdle tag today.
We have four runners in the 2m 4f mares hurdle. Risk Belle (Mark Walsh) She won well over 2 miles last time and will really appreciate this step up in trip. She should be very competitive. Space Tourist (Brian Hayes) won at Limerick in October but we’re not sure how she will handle this testing ground. Pink In The Park (Danny) is another that would prefer a sounder surface. Saylavee (Paul) put in a much improved performance at Punchestown last time and this ground will be to her advantage.
Grangeclare West (Paul) goes for the competitive Grade 1 Novice Chase over 3 miles. He won over 2m 4f at Naas and will improve over this longer trip. The ground may not be ideal for him but he should still run a big race.
We have three in the Grade 1 Matheson Hurdle over 2 miles. Impaire Et Passe (Daryl Jacob) needs to improve a bit but we think that tactically this race might suit him better than when he finished second at Fairyhouse last time. State Man (Paul) won this race last year and goes here in great shape. He should take some beating. Echoes In Rain (Danny) is in good form and hopefully she will take a share of the valuable prize money on offer.
We have two making their handicap debuts for the Novice Handicap Hurdle over 2m 4f. Mount Sinai (Paul) was very free when fifth at Punchestown the last day so we will change tactics for this race and hope that brings about some improvement. Linden Arden (Brian Hayes) is having his first run for us. He is an interesting horse who had some good runs before coming to us. He could be on a lenient mark .
We have three declared for the winners bumper. Glowing Account (Jody) and Luckinthecity (Charlie Mullins) might both be better on a sounder surface. Redemption Day (Patrick) is a course and distance winner but has been off the track since April 2022. His homework suggests he is back to himself and we are hoping for a very good run.
