Aione (Danny) steps up considerably in trip in the handicap chase over 3m 7f. The drying ground will be a big help and he is a course winner. He is bred to be a stayer and he should go close.
We have three in the very competitive Grade 1 Mares Champion Hurdle over 2m 3f. Brandy Love (Patrick) had a rushed preparation for Cheltenham and we are expecting her to improve a lot here. However, she would be better on a left-handed track. Paul has elected to ride Echoes In Rain and he has been doing most things right this week! She looks best of ours and the dry ground will help. She has a hood back on and if Paul can settle her she should be competitive. Shewearsitwell (Sean O’Keeffe) takes her chance but this is a tough ask for her.
Ramillies (Danny) goes for the 3 mile handicap chase. He likes this track and the ground will be in his favour. Danny is riding very well and we are hoping for the best.
We have four runners in the Grade 1 Champion 4YO Hurdle over 2 miles. Zarak The Brave (Daryl Jacob) hasn’t run since finishing second to Lossiemouth at Fairyhouse last December. He got colic after that but recovered well. He’s been working well and could spring a surprise at a decent price. Cinsa (Brian Hayes) is a lovely filly but is not up to this standard yet. She is one to keep an eye out for in mares’ novice hurdles for the rest of the season. Gala Marceau (Danny) was second in the Triumph and could be improving. The flatter finish here will suit her speed better but she does have a lot to make up on ratings. Lossiemouth (Paul) looks best of ours. She is an incredible juvenile and put up her best performance when winning the Triumph at Cheltenham. There’s no reason to think she won’t repeat the dose here.
We are well represented with six runners in the 2m 3f handicap hurdle. Winter Fog (Kieran Callaghan) has a big task with top-weight but Kieran’s 7lb claim will be a help. He will need a lot of luck to get into the money. Heia (Paul) looks a better option. She has been doing some nice work at home and her recent Fairyhouse run should leave her in a good position here. She is a course and distance winner and looks great value price wise at the moment. Tax For Max (Daryl Jacob) ran well here on Tuesday and a similar performance should see him finish in the first four today. Power Of Pause (Jack Foley) ran very well on his first run for two years at Fairyhouse and could improve hugely here. Horantzau D’airy (Danny) is another who shaped well at Fairyhouse and has a chance over this trip. Risk Belle (Luke Dempsey) has a lovely weight and has every chance of confirming the Fairyhouse form with our other runners here. We think she will take a lot of beating.
We have two runners in the bumper. Barons Revenge (Jody) is a nice big type who will love the ground. He is probably more a jumping type but horses seem to run very well around here for Jody. Sorrentino (Patrick) is a rare article being a bumper horse by New Bay. He has a nice pedigree and we have been waiting all season for some nice ground for him. We are looking forward to seeing how he gets on.
