We have three in the 2m 5f handicap chase – Adamantly Chosen (Jack Foley), Authorized Art (Danny) and Kilcruit (Paul). All three have chances. They are having their first runs in a handicap but all three are course winners and will like the spring ground.
We run four in the Grade 2 Mares Chase over 2m 5f where it looks like they will have their work cut out to beat Impervious. Allegorie De Vassy (Paul) ran great races at Cheltenham and Fairyhouse but those efforts might tell against her today. Elimay (Mark Walsh) has it all to do on official ratings. Dolcita (Sean O’Keeffe) had a hard race in the Irish National but she might get some black type here. Instit (Danny) will have gained great confidence from her win at Fairyhouse and might be the one to lay a blow on Impervious.
We have three runners in the Grade 1 Champion Hurdle over 2 miles. State Man (Paul) looks the one and will be very hard to beat if he reproduces his best form. Sharjah (Patrick) runs well here and ran a great race when second at Aintree. He should get a good share of the prize money. Vauban (Danny) is a course and distance winner and has a chance of improving on this drying ground.
We have two in the Grade 1 Champion Novice Hurdle over 2m 3f. Impaire Et Passe (Paul) has come out well from his win in the Ballymore at Cheltenham and he looks rock solid here. Champ Kiely (Danny) has a his chance but doesn’t look to be in the same league as his stablemate.
We have two chances in the 3 mile Champion Hunters Chase. Annamix (Charlie Mullins) beat Billaway (Patrick) at Fairyhouse last time but the positions might be reversed here. Billaway may have gone too fast in the earlier stages at Fairyhouse but he won’t make that mistake again today.
We have two runners in the 2 mile novice hurdle. Sa Majeste (Mark Walsh) won over hurdles in France could still be a little inexperienced for this. However, he is a horse we like a lot and we think he will run a big race. Uncle Phil (Paul) was third here in November but we’re not sure if he will be good enough to take on some of this opposition.
We have three in the bumper over 2m 2f and they will all appreciate this extended trip. Did I Ask You That (Pat Taaffe) will have the benefit of his rider’s 7lb claim and a first-time tongue tie should also help. Dr Eggman (Jody) was third in Fairyhouse last year on his only run and has a good chance here. Patrick has gone for Lecky Watson who won a bumper here in November but lost the race in the steward’s room. He ran well in the Cheltenham bumper and should go close.
