We have two runners in the mares beginners chase over 2m 4f. Pont Aval (Danny) has been off the track since Cheltenham 2021 and makes her chasing debut here. We are hoping she puts in clear round and comes home safe. Instit (Paul) was fourth on her chasing debut at Cork last month. That was over 2 miles and the extra half a mile today is just what she wants. She is a fine big chasing mare but it’s a very hot race and she may not be good enough for a couple of these. A first three finish would be good.
Appreciate It (Paul) goes for the 2 mile novice chase. If he jumps and gallops the way he did when winning on his chasing debut at Punchestown he will be very hard to beat here. The race conditions suit and he will like the ground and trip.
We run two in the Lawlor’s Of Naas Grade 1 Novice Hurdle over 2m 4f. Champ Kiely was a little disappointing over 2 miles at Fairyhouse last time but will be more suited by this trip and ground. Danny won on him at Tipperary in October and renews the acquaintance today. Hopefully he will finish in the money. Grangeclare West (Paul) was very impressive when winning over this trip at Navan and hopefully he will show some improvement from that run here. The trip and ground will be fine for him and we think he’ll run a big race.
Hunters Yarn (Paul) runs in the 2 mile maiden hurdle. He wasn’t beaten far when third in a maiden hurdle at Punchestown last time. It was a good effort considering it was his first run of the season. He took a run to come back to his best last season and hopefully it’s the same again this year. With that run under his belt he should get seriously involved here.
