2m. 149yds. Hcap Hurdle
Gaucher (Brian Hayes) has the advantage of being a course and distance winner but this won’t be easy for him with top-weight. However, the nice ground gives him every chance.
We have decided to give Hunters Yarn (J J Slevin) a confidence booster after he disappointed in the Red Rum Handicap Chase at Aintree. Hopefully he will run well.
Champion Novice Hurdle 2 Miles
Irancy (Mark Walsh) is a course winner and won nicely at Fairyhouse last time. This is a tough race but he has his chance.
Karbau (Danny) is a course and distance winner but has ground to make up on Salvator Mundi on their runnning at Aintree.The likely fast pace here will suit and he’s an improving horse.
Kopek Des Bordes (Paul) just lost concentration when making a mistake at the last in the Supreme. That didn’t stop him though and he galloped on well up to the line. He’s in great form and should be very hard to beat.
Salvator Mundi (Patrick) was well behind Kopek Des Bordes at Cheltenham but left that form behind when easily landing the grade one novice hurdle at Aintree. The fast pace will be a big help and we still don’t know how good he is.
Champion Novice Chase 3m 1f
Ballyburn (Paul) loves this track but ideally he would prefer the ground a bit softer. He was disappointing at Cheltenham but we will employ a big change of tactics today. We’ll let him enjoy himself more and it will be interesting to see how he reacts.
Champ Kiely (Danny) steps up in trip after finishing third over 2m 4f at Fairyhouse last time. Paul thought the Fairyhpuse run would bring him on and he has every chance today.
Ile Atlantique (Patrick) unseated early at Fairyhouse behind Spindleberry. He tries 3 miles for the first time in his career and we think that will be a huge benefit. The ground will be no problem.
Impaire Et Passe (J J Slevin) is a top-class horse. Cheek pieces were a big help at Aintree and he will enjoy the slower pace and longer trip here.
Lecky Watson (Sean O’Keeffe) won the Brown Advisory over this trip at Cheltenham and is now three from three over fences. Sean kept things uncomplcated when they won the Brown Advisory and who knows what will happen today?
Goffs Defender Bumper 2 Miles
Leader Des Bordes (Patrick) is a half-brother to Kopek Des Bordes but is physically a different type of horse. He is certainly one to keep an eye on.
Maith An Buachaill (Jody) works well and his sire is having a great season.
Seabloom (Charlie Mullins) is a lovely horse who will make a decent hurdler. He has to take his chance here with the huge prize money on offer.
Wonderful Everyday (Ruth Dudfield) has a really nice French pedigree. She is fit enough and this will tell us which direction to go with her.
Champion Chase 2 Miles
El Fabiolo (Paul) won the grade one novice chase at this festival two years ago but needs to get his jumping confidence back. We know he has tremendous ability but sometimes his jumping lets him down. If he jumps accurately he’ll go close.
Fact To File (Mark Walsh) was hugely impressive when winning the Ryanair over 2m 4f at Cheltenham. We are trying him over 2 miles here to see how he gets on. This trip could open a lot of doors for him next season. He jumps like a two-miler and will be fine on the ground.
