We have two runners in the competitive W T O’Grady Memorial Novice Hurdle over 2m 6f. Monkfish (Paul) has improved since winning at Fairyhouse last month. However that was over 2m 7f and it’s not really ideal dropping back in trip. This ground won’t be as testing as Fairyhouse so we will just have to see how he gets on. Vis Ta Loi (Danny) ran well on heavy ground in Limerick last time and, like Monkfish, it will be interesting to see how he copes with this better ground.
We have three runners in the Grade 2 Chase over 2m 4f. Voix Du Reve (Danny) was very disappointing at Tramore last time and hopefully the better ground here will bring some improvement. Real Steel (Paul) had a good run behind Min at Punchestown last month and will like going right-handed here. Daryl Jacob comes over to ride Footpad who has a lot in his favour here. He is a course winner and is really well treated by these race conditions.
We run two in the 2m 4f mares novice chase. Elimay (Mark Walsh) did really well to win a novice event at Cork on her chasing debut and this right-handed track will suit her. She has taken very well to fences and must have a great chance here. Cut The Mustard (Paul) won on her fencing debut at Limerick over Christmas but this is a tougher test.
Power Of Pause (Patrick) makes his racecourse debut in the bumper over 2m 3f. He won a point to point on good ground and will appreciate this trip. He shapes well at home but we will have to see how he handles this softer ground.
