2.10 Bar One Racing “Guaranteed Multiples All Shops” Maiden Hurdle 2m 3f 109y
Grade 1 bumper winner Redemption Day is worth another chance in this company. Although somewhat disappointing on his hurdling debut at Leopardstown over Christmas, the Willie Mullins-trained gelding can be forgiven a below par run against decent opposition last time. Back in calmer waters here, he has to be followed. The Gordon Elliott-trained Kainsbourg is the obvious threat. Twice a winner in his native France, the gelding has finished runner-up on two occasions since switching his attention to jumping.
SELECTION: REDEMPTION DAY
Next best: Kainsbourg
2.40 Bar One Racing “100% Acca Boosts On Self-Service Bet Terminals” Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle (Grade 3) 2m 7y
Sommesky, who ran well for a long way over further in Grade 1 class last time, should appreciate this easier task. Although ultimately well-beaten, the Henry de Bromhead-trained six-year-old shaped
as though he would benefit from dropping back in trip. While two miles might be on the sharp side, soft ground on this stiff track should make it a test. High-class flat horse Belloccio would be of interest if handling conditions. A maiden hurdle winner at Punchestown last May, he wasn’t disgraced in Grade 2 company.
SELECTION: SOMMESKY
Next best: Belloccio
3.10 Bar One Racing “Price Boosts On The Favourite In Every Race At Cheltenham” Handicap Hurdle 2m 7y
Having been unfortunate to bump into a well-handicapped horse last time, High Honour can go one better. A Sligo winner off a pound lower last August, the Donal Kinsella-trained gelding had shown little in five subsequent starts prior to finishing runner-up at Leopardstown recently. A reproduction of that effort would almost certainly suffice. Star Official, who has run well under Conor Owens of late, should make his presence felt. A winner on the flat, the seven-year-old looks well-handicapped over hurdles.
SELECTION: HIGH HONOUR
Next best: Star Official
3.40 Bar One Racing “Extra Place Races At The Cheltenham Festival” Handicap Hurdle 2m 3f 109y
Dual course winner American Money should be primed for this race. Having started the season over fences, the eight-year-old reverted to hurdles here last time, when third over the minimum trip. Stepping back up to a more suitable distance now, the Eddie and Patrick Harty-trained gelding is almost certain to play a leading role.
Top-weight Western Walk would arguably prefer further, but the Jonathan Sweeney-trained gelding is the class horse here. His trainer had a winner during the week, so the form of the stable couldn’t be any better.
SELECTION: AMERICAN MONEY
Next best: Western Walk
4.12 Bar One Racing “Guaranteed Overnight Prices” Beginners Chase 2m 4f 29y
A maiden hurdle winner here, Olympic Man can open his account over fences. The Willie Mullins-trained gelding, who subsequently finished runner-up in a listed handicap hurdle, has the scope to make into a decent chaser. Having shown promise on both outings to date, the eight-year-old can make it third time lucky.
With an official rating of 136 over fences, Gordon Elliott’s Western Fold sets a fair standard. Twice a winner over hurdles, the son of Westerner shouldn’t be long in adding to that tally.
SELECTION: OLYMPIC MAN
Next best: Western Fold
4.45 Bar One Racing Leinster National Handicap Chase 3m 174y
Tyre Kicker, who finished runner-up in a listed handicap chase last time, should find this easier.
The Gavin Cromwell-trained gelding can actually race off 1lb lower here, as he was out of the weights in that aforementioned race at Leopardstown.
A proven stayer, the eight-year-old should appreciate stepping back up in distance.
Although now in the veteran stages, Espanito Bello has to be respected. A real course specialist, who reserves his best for this track, the Barry Connell-trained gelding can never be ruled out here.
SELECTION: TYRE KICKER
Next best: Espanito Bello
5.20 Bar One Racing “Bet 10 Euros Get 50 Euros Sign Up Offer” Mares (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race 2m 7f
Leopardstown Grade 2 runner-up Switch From Diesel should be difficult to beat in this finale.
The Ross O’Sullivan-trained mare travelled into that race particularly well, before ultimately being outstayed by a leading Cheltenham festival contender. Dropped to a lower grade now, the six-year-old can record a second career success.
Apples Jane, who finished second at this track on her racecourse debut, is a real danger. As a four-year-old maiden, Gordon Elliott’s filly receives plenty of weight from her elders.
SELECTION: SWITCH FROM DIESEL
Next best: Apples Jane