1.05 SBK Handicap Chase 2m 1f 65y
Teescomponentsyess can step up on his promising run at Limerick over Christmas by going one place better.
Shark Hanlon’s eight-year-old was well supported to get off the mark for the first time over fences but after travelling really strongly, he laboured somewhat in the testing ground after jumping the second last. At these revised weights, he should be able to overturn that form with the race winner, Chainofconsequence.
Battle Of Ridgeway was just touched off at Thurles recently but that form has worked out nicely with the fourth placed horse going on to win twice subsequently. Despite being raised 3lb for that effort, the Martin Hassett-trained gelding can race off a similar mark here once taking his jockeys claim into account.
SELECTION: TESSCOMPONENTSYESS
Next Best: Battle Of Ridgeway
1.40 Early Bird For Easter
Festival @Fairyhouse Handicap Chase 3m 2f
Where’s Frankie can record a fourth career success at a track which has seen him successful on three previous occasions.
The Karl Thornton-trained eight-year-old does have to put a poor recent run behind him but dropping markedly in class here, it would be disappointing if he wasn’t able to produce a more improved performance.
Josh D’id has yet to really hit the heights since arriving from France but the J.P. McManus-owned seven-year-old could well be seen in a better light now that he steps up in trip for the first time. The application of cheekpieces may also aid his cause.
SELECTION: WHERE’S FRANKIE
Next Best: Josh D’id
2.15 SBK Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle (Grade 3) 2m 2f
Jade De Grugy can maintain her unbeaten record despite facing her stiffest test to date.
The Willie Mullins-trained filly won her only start on the flat in France before making a successful Irish debut when readily landing a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas.
However, the manner of that victory when maintaining a strong gallop throughout, marked her down as a potentially high-class novice.
A Penny A Hundred, also trained by Willie Mullins, won her maiden hurdle at Limerick in October, before finishing second in listed company at Punchestown on her most recent start. Although well beaten by the winner, it was still a very promising run from such an inexperienced mare.
SELECTION: JADE DE GRUGY
Next Best: A Penny A Hundred
2.50 SBK Maiden Hurdle 2m
Trainer Barry Connell has shown previously that he can ready one after a long absence so such a layoff is not a concern with Shoot The Blues. The Blue Bresil gelding looked a potentially nice prospect when winning a Limerick bumper on his only start to date back in October 2022. With question marks about some of the other leading candidates, the seven-year-old looks the most solid option.
Houlanbatordechais has shaped with promise on all three starts over hurdles to date but the Willie Mullins-trained gelding has yet to replicate his smart French form since joining present connections.
SELECTION: SHOOT THE BLUES
Next Best: Houlanbatordechais
3.25 CJ Sheeran Group Supporting CCR Raceday Maiden Hurdle 2m 4f 65y
Now Is The Hour can gain some compensation having looked set for victory when falling two out at Limerick last time.
A former point-to-point winner, the Gavin Cromwell-trained seven-year-old raced much more prominently then on his previous runs over flights. Similar tactics should see him hard to beat around this tighter track.
Only A Dollar really caught the eye when a never nearer fourth in a maiden hurdle over Christmas. The six-year-old mare looks capable of playing a leading role if taking up a more prominent position from the outset.
SELECTION: NOW IS THE HOUR
Next Best: Only A Dollar
3.58 Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle 3m
Duffys Getaway has every chance of overturning recent course and distance form with Mighty Oak Lad on these revised terms.
The Philip Rothwell-trained gelding had won his previous two starts prior to being a well beaten third behind the latter named horse here last time. However, with that winner having been hit with a 16lb hike, there should be little between the pair now.
Point-to-point winner One Big Bang ran his best race over hurdles to date when stepped up to this trip at Limerick last time. A lightly-raced gelding, he has scope for further improvement now that he races over what is arguably his optimum distance.
SELECTION: DUFFYS GETAWAY
Next Best: One Big Bang
4.28 SBK (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race 2m
As a half-brother to a former Cheltenham bumper winner, Argento Boy is certainly bred for the job. With the 2024 Festival fast approaching, trainer Willie Mullins will be anxious to get his better prospects out in the next few weeks, so it would be no surprise to see a smart performance from this son of Jukebox Jury. However, despite his pedigree, he will need to be ready as this has the potential to be an informative contest.
Recent point-to-point winner Machismo also boasts a smart pedigree, being related to a Grade 2 winner over fences. In contrast to the Mullins representative, he has the crucial advantage of having already shown that he has the ability to win races.
SELECTION: ARGENTO BOY
Next Best: Machismo