Paddy & Maureen Mullins Listed Handicap Hurdle 2m 2f
Straight Home (Paul) went up 10lbs for winning at Clonmel but we still think she has a very good chance here. We’ve been very happy with her recent homework.
Grade 1 Novice Chase 2m 5f
Ballyburn (Paul) was second at Kempton last time where his jumping wasn’t up to his usual standard. He’s been schooling well at home since and this longer trip where the pace will be slower should make him way more competitive.
Champ Kiely (Danny) did everything right when winning at Fairyhouse but needs to run a career best to compete with the ones.
Impaire Et Passe (J J Slevin) was very impressive at Limerick where his jumping and speed were seen to good effect. He’s a formidable opponent for Ballyburn.
Grade 1 Novice Hurdle 2 Miles
Kaid D’authie (Mark Walsh) won a 2m 4f maiden in good style here at Christmas. We hope he can be as good today but things will happen quicker than he is used to. He goes here in good order.
Karafon (J J Slevin) will improve a lot from his last run and might get some place money.
Patrick rides Karniquet who he thinks is a decent horse. He made a bad mistake at the second hurdle here at Christmas which virtually put him out of the race. We’re not sure where he stands in the pecking order of our novices.
Kopek Des Bordes (Paul) won over this course and distance last time. However, his jumping left a lot to be desired. Hopefully, that experience and his schooling since will enable him to improve. He should be a big force here.
Redemption Day (Danny) faces a big task but has some very good bumper form.
Sea Of Sands (Brian Hayes) was below par here at Christmas but could spring an each-way surprise if he puts his best foot forward.
Grade 1 Chase 2m 1f
El Fabiolo (J J Slevin) won this race last year but his jumping was found out at Sandown in April. Perhaps he likes these fences better but we’re not sure that this sharp trip will suit at this stage of his career.
Gaelic Warrior (Paul) ran really well here last time and any improvement on that will set the standard here.
Gentleman De Mee (Mark Walsh) won this race two years ago but needs to improve on his last run here to have a chance.
Grade 3 Handicap Chase 2m 5f
We have four runners here but it will be a tough race to win.
James du Berlais (J J Slevin) is in good shape and will like the trip and ground. However, it won’t be easy for him with top-weight.
Horantzau D’airy (Mikey O’Sullivan) is finding it hard to return to form and would be better suited by nicer ground.
Aime Desjy (Brian Hayes) was shade unlucky on his last two runs. There’s a day to be had with him this season if he gets his jumping together.
Irish Champion Hurdle 2 Miles
Daddy Long Legs (Sean O’Keeffe) was a bit disappointing at Punchestown but it is hard to find suitable races for him so he takes his chance here.
Paul sticks with State Man who is going for a hat-trick of wins in this race. He has to leave his bad run here at Christmas behind where uncharacteristically the real State Man didn’t turn up. Paul is showing his loyalty and thinks he is on the right one.
Winter Fog (Patrick) was second at Christmas and with the same kind of ride could fill the placings.
Lossiemouth (Danny) took her time to find her feet when second over 2 miles at Kempton. She has every chance today with that run under her belt.
Listed Handicap Hurdle 2 Miles
Tounsivator (Mikey O’Sullivan) won the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse but then disappointed in a handicap here at Christmas. He’ll have to do better today to get involved.
Storm Heart (Paul) might find this beyond him on his first run since May.
Batman Girac (J J Slevin) will have to find big improvement to get into the money.
Strutter (Sean O’Keeffe) has a lovely weight for this valuable contest. He’s as fit as a flea and hopefully this trip won’t be too sharp for him.
Grade 2 Mares Bumper 2 Miles
Future Prospect (Patrick) was very impressive on her racecourse debut at Fairyhouse and looks like a top notcher from Closutton.
Bambino Fever (Jody) surprised us by the way she won at Punchestown and deserves her place here.
Blue Velvet (Harry Swan) won her bumper at Thurles but this is a big step up in class.
Cameletta Vega (Declan Lavery) might not be suited if the forecast rain arrives.