11:40 I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle 2m 4f 50yds
Eye Van has been a model of consistency and may get his head in front. He bumped into Shantreusse, Minella Crooner and Eric Bloodaxe last season. He ran a gallant race on his comeback at the start of this month, where he was a close second to Santonito at Thurles. The ground that day was very testing and Eye Van should improve for that run.
Jimmy Chou Pecos Aa was fifth to Santonito in a bumper at Navan in March. Henry De Bromhead has an awesome team of novice hurdlers, which makes Sam Magee very interesting. Any market support for the Jet Away gelding should be noted.
SELECTION: EYE VAN
Next best: Sam Magee
12:13 Connolly’s Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle 2m 1f
Blue D’Enfer was three and a half lengths ahead of Ifiwerearichman in the Tattersalls Ireland Sales Bumper at Fairyhouse in April and can confirm that form over hurdles. He was also a good second to Slandor Clegane on his most recent start which was over two miles and five furlongs, which raises questions about the shorter trip here, but he is likely to race prominently and make his stamina count.
Ifiwerearichman was third to The Four Sixes at Clonmel. If he can build on that, then there will not be much between him and Blue D’Enfer again. Mollys Glory was a very good bumper mare but has not progressed. The Gordon Elliott-trained Mel Monroe could not justify strong market support in a Galway bumper but deserves another chance.
SELECTION: BLUE D’ENFER
Next best: Ifiwerearichman
12:48 Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle (80-102) 2m 1f
Hi Ski looks to be going the right way. He was a good second at Limerick on his most recent outing. A mark of 97 is fair and Ben Harvey claims a valuable 2lbs.
Peace Party has been running well lately but appears to be in the grip of the handicapper. Fox Le Bel, who is frustrating to follow, should be in the mix again.
SELECTION: HI SKI
Next best: Fox Le Bel
1:23 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase 2m 4f
Chavez is an interesting recruit to the Willie Mullins yard, having come over from the Paul Nicholls yard. He made all in an Ascot maiden hurdle in March, however the form of that race looks to be nothing special as the horse that finished second is now a 98 rated chaser. While Chavez may improve, it might be worth taking him on.
Innovated is likely to be a better chaser than hurdler. He managed to win a maiden hurdle and earned himself a rating of 116. Jack In The Box is another to note.
SELECTION: INNOVATED
Next best: Jack In The Box
1:58 Metcollect Handicap Chase (0-102) 2m 4f
Know The Game can defy a 7lb penalty. He received a patient ride from Keith Donoghue at Naas and did his best work late on. The step-up in trip should be no problem. The strapping Califet gelding should continue to progress. Walking The Walk has been in tremendous form of late. He has been raised 9lbs though, which will make things more challenging.
Highstreetfashion wants further than this trip so may struggle.
SELECTION: KNOW THE GAME
Next best: Walking The Walk
2:33 McMahon McKay Hospitality and Leusire Hunters Chase 3m
The Storyteller won the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Chase here two years ago and he has made a seamless transition to racing between the flags as he has won his last three starts. Brain Power is a top-class performer on his day. He was second to Footpad in the 2018 Arkle and looks to have his confidence back and cannot be dismissed. Vaucelet was surprisingly beaten by Dorking Cock in the race last year, which is a little concern considering the good form he showed at other tracks thereafter. Snow Falcon might be able to sneak a place.
SELECTION: THE STORYTELLER
Next best: Brain Power
3:08 McMahon McKay M&A (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race 2m 1f
Noel Meade has a great record in this race, having won three of the past five renewals. Faulty looks capable of enhancing this impressive strike rate. He was beaten by Gigginstown’s very promising King Of Kingsfield over this course and distance. That is strong form. Lucky Lyreen, a full brother to the talented Call Me Lyreen, will need to improve on his fourth placed finish in a bumper here in May to trouble the selection.
SELECTION: FAULTY
Next best: Lucky Lyree