We have two declared for the Opportunity Handicap Hurdle over 2m 4f. Dads Lad (Kieran Callaghan) was disappointing at Fairyhouse last week and we are just hoping for better today. Rock Road (Jack Foley) has been off for quite a while and is probably best watched here.
Glengouly (Paul) goes for the Auction Series Hurdle Final over 2m 4f. He is an improving sort and this race has been his aim all along. We expect him to go close.
We have three in the 2m 4f Conditions Hurdle. Classic Getaway (Danny) pulled too hard at Cheltenham so we are dropping him back in trip today. He is a course winner here. This looks an opportunity for Ganapathi (Paul) on his best work at home and maybe this trip will suit better than the 2 miles at Cork last time. Hopefully, Gibraltar (Sean O’Keeffe) will give a good account but this opposition could just be too strong for him.
We run four in the 3 mile Grade 1 Novice Hurdle. Bronn (Daryl Jacob) should like the move up in trip and with a little improvement could get involved. Danny gave Minella Cocooner a great ride to win at the Dublin Racing Festival and takes the ride again here. He was beaten 5 lengths by The Nice Guy at Cheltenham but cannot be left out of the equation today. Ramilles (Bryan Cooper) was sixth at Cheltenham and will have his work cut out to finish in the first three here. The Nice Guy (Paul) won the Albert Bartlett impressively and it is hard to look beyond him here.
We have five in the Grade 1 Punchestown Gold Cup over 3 miles. Al Boum Photo (Bryan Cooper) has good form around here but at ten years of age these might have too much class for him. Allaho (Paul) won the Ryanair at Cheltenham and we will learn where we are going with him next season by running over this longer trip. Janidil goes well for Jody McGarvey and if he hasn’t lost confidence after his fall last time he could be great each-way value here. Kemboy (Sean O’Keeffe) ran well at Aintree and could be each-way material if first time cheek pieces have the desired effect. With no rain forecast it is unlikely that Tornado Flyer (Danny) will get the testing conditions that he likes.
We also run five in the Grade 1 Champion Bumper. Facile Vega (Patrick) won the Cheltenham bumper and sets the standard here. We have been very happy with him at home since Cheltenham. Madmansgame (Declan Lavery) won on heavy ground at Navan and won’t be suited by this much better surface. Redemption Day (Jody Townend) was disappointing at Cheltenham where the occasion seemed to get to him. If Jody can get him relaxed he could get seriously involved. Seabank Bistro (Charlie Mullins) ran very well in the Cheltenham Bumper but would prefer a longer trip and softer ground. However, he should still be thereabouts turning for home. Viva Devito (Derek O’Connor) was disappointing at Cheltenham but this track will suit better and he could get into the top four.
We have four for the 2m 5f handicap chase. Royal Rendezvous (Paul) has to give weight away all round but we have been lucky with top weights around here. This trip and going right-handed will suit. Annamix (Danny) ran a cracker and jumped great at Aintree. A reproduction of that form would give him a good chance here. Ciel De Neige (Mark Walsh) is running in his first handicap. He will like the ground and is a course winner. Egality Mans (Sean O’Keeffe) is also having a first run in a handicap. We will be pleased if he brings home some prize money.
We also run four in the Mares Grade 3 Bumper. Eabha Grace (Declan Lavery) ran too free at Fairyhouse so we will change tactics today. Nikini (Jody Townend) has every chance if she runs as well as she did at Fairyhouse last time. Pink In The Park (Patrick) ran a great race at Fairyhouse and a similar run today should see her bang in the firing line. True Light (Barry O’Neill) won well at Tramore but would have to improve to figure here. If she finishes in the first six we will be pleased.
