12.00 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase 2m 110yds
Hunters Yarn can make a winning debut over fences at a track where he was previously successful in a bumper. Indeed, the Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old also ran one of his better races over hurdles here, when runner-up in a Grade 2 when last seen back in April. Given his obvious affinity for Fairyhouse, it appears the ideal first step on the chasing ladder.
Sa Fureur came to grief three out on his recent fencing debut at Navan but Gordon Elliott’s gelding was still very much in contention at the time. The former Grade 3 hurdle winner faces a slightly easier task here, so looks sure to be involved.
SELECTION: HUNTERS YARN
Next best: Sa Fureur
12.30 Tote Always SP Or Better @Fairyhouse Handicap Chase 3m 68yds
So Des Flos can follow up having made a winning start to life in handicap company here earlier this month. The lightly raced Gordon Elliott-trained six-year-old received an 8lb hike for that success but having had just three runs over fences, he remains open to further improvement. The Joshua Tree gelding has always shown up well at this venue.
Dual point-to-point winner Clonmeen could have more to offer having readily disposed of a well handicapped rival at Down Royal last time. The Willie Murphy-trained gelding hasn’t had too many opportunities over regulation fences.
SELECTION: SO DES FLOS
Next best: Clonmeen
1.05 Hytech EQ Ultra 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle 2m 30yds
Hey Whatever lacks a previous run over flights but may still be good enough to make a winning stable debut. Formerly in the care of Noel Meade, the filly appeared to improve when faced with a trip on testing ground in the autumn. Provided that she has taken to hurdling, the daughter of El Kabeir can strike at the first time of asking.
Former French maiden winner Pacini has been well held on both starts over flights thus far but the fact Jack Kennedy remains loyal must surely be of some significance.
SELECTION: HEY WHATEVER
Next best: Pacini
1.40 Happy Christmas From All @Fairyhouse Handicap Hurdle 2m 30yds
Brilliant Question shaped well enough when fourth at Limerick last month to suggest she can win a race of this nature. The six-year-old was making her first start over hurdles since July 2022, so is entitled to be all the sharper for that experience. Well suited by the minimum trip on heavy ground, she will get few better opportunities to win a race.
Not Before Time has to be of interest given her completely unexposed profile. Aidan Howard’s mare steps into handicap company for the first time off a potentially exploitable mark of 95.
SELECTION: BRILLIANT QUESTION
Next best: Not Before Time
2.15 Lacey’s Plumbing & Heating Supplies Maiden Hurdle 2m 7f 52yds
O’Moore Park has a long absence to overcome but the Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old remains a horse of some potential. A former point-to-point winner, the Walk In The Park gelding was placed in two bumpers under rules before missing the best part of two years. He is sure to be fit and ready for this comeback run in which he very much looks the one to beat.
Prince Palace could represent value amongst the opposition. Pat Fahy’s five-year-old shaped well in two point-to-point starts, while his maiden hurdle form stands up well in the context of this race.
SELECTION: O’MOORE PARK
Next best: Prince Palace
2.50 Tote Always SP Or Better @Fairyhouse Handicap Hurdle 2m 7f 52yds
Tangental shaped well enough when last seen at Wexford in May to suggest he remains nicely handicapped over flights. The Colm Murphy-trained gelding kept on steadily from two out to be nearest at the finish. A former winner at this track, the son of Fame And Glory should be a leading contender if ready for his first run in seven months.
Recent course and distance winner Danny The Fence remains of interest despite now being 9lb higher. He faced a stiff task over fences last time so that effort is readily forgiven.
SELECTION: TANGENTAL
Next best: Danny The Fence
3.25 Irish Stallions Farms EBF 4-Y-O Fillies INH Flat Race 2m 30yds
El Fabienne, runner-up at Loughanmore in April on her only point-to-point run, can make a winning debut under rules. The daughter of Spanish Moon was subsequently bought by high profile connections and sent to champion trainer Willie Mullins.
With Patrick Mullins in the saddle here, she appears to be the stable first string.
Kildorrery winner Doyen Magic may have been a bit fortunate to claim the main prize as she looked booked for second when the leader fell at the last.
However, the Paul Nolan-trained filly has plenty of ability which should see her get involved at the finish.
SELECTION: EL FABIENNE
Next best: Doyen Magic