11.50 Overlander Horseboxes Novice Handicap Chase 2m 4f
A winner on his chasing debut at Tramore last month, Henry de Bromhead’s Ballybrack Wood can follow up. A former point-to-point runner-up, the six-year-old had shaped with definite promise when mid-division in some fair maiden hurdles last winter. Almost certainly capable of reaching a higher standard over fences, the gelding has made an encouraging start.
Miss Tempo, a winner here over hurdles, gives de Bromhead a strong hand. The eight-year-old mare was somewhat disappointing last time, but had shown that she was capable of winning off this mark when third at Wexford on her previous outing.
SELECTION: BALLYBRACK WOOD
Next best: Miss Tempo
12.20 Cavan Developments Home Builders Supporting St Marys GAA Maiden Hurdle 2m
Spasiba can win on what is only his second start over flights for trainer Willie Mullins. A smart handicapper on the flat, the gelding finished runner-up on his sole hurdles run last Christmas, before subsequently reverting to the level. Following very good runs in three big premier handicaps this summer, the five-year-old is difficult to get away from here.
Syracus Du Houx, who appears to be his trainers’ second string on jockey bookings, might be capable of getting involved. Although absent since June, the gelding would have claims if reproducing his Punchestown second from the previous month.
SELECTION: SPASIBA
Next best: Syracus Du Houx
12.50 Fishery Lane Novice Hurdle 2m
Recent Lartigue Hurdle runner-up Pinot Gris can go one better here for the Gavin Cromwell yard. A strong stayer on the flat, the grey would prefer both a stiffer test and softer ground, but he might have the ability to overcome those negatives. With first-time blinkers applied, jockey Keith Donoghue may well decide to make the running.
Zariygann would have something to find with a couple of these on flat ratings, but has looked a totally different horse over hurdles. The Michael Halford and Tracey Collins-trained gelding has to concede weight, but might be capable of doing so.
SELECTION: PINOT GRIS
Next best: Zariygann
1.25 I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle 2m 2f 200y
A dual bumper winner last season, Lieutenant Mayne has every chance of making a successful debut over hurdles. Although disappointing at Fairyhouse on his final outing of the campaign, there was enough in his previous two runs to suggest he can go on to better things. A former point-to-point third, the John McConnell-trained gelding should have no issues in the jumping department.
Masterboy Davis is also on a recovery mission here, having proved very disappointing on his last run back in May. Prior to that, Gordon Elliott’s five-year-old had reached the frame in a point-to-point and two bumpers. If back to his best, the gelding rates a definite threat.
SELECTION: LIEUTENANT MAYNE
Next best: Masterboy Davis
2.00 Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle (Listed) 2m 4f
A real track specialist who has registered all five career wins here, Espanito Bello can repeat last year’s success. Sent off 20/1 on that occasion, connections had feared that he might just need what was his first run of the season. Having had a recent spin over fences at Punchestown, the 10-year-old is unlikely to have any fitness concerns this time.
Win Some Lose Some looks a progressive young gelding capable of getting involved. A winner of two of his last three starts, the Padraig Roche-trained five-year-old appeared to have a bit in hand when successful at Clonmel last month.
SELECTION: ESPANITO BELLO
Next best: Win Some Lose Some
2.35 Barberstown Castle Chase (Grade 3) 2m
Former Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Marine Nationale can make a winning reappearance. Unbeaten on his first career starts, the seven-year-old suffered his first ever defeat, when clearly running below his best in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown in February. Off the track since then, trainer Barry Connell is sure to have the gelding fit and ready for this assignment.
Hercule De Seuil, who has to concede 9lb to Marine Nationale, shouldn’t be discounted despite his penalties. A three-time winner over fences at Grade 3 level, the Willie Mullins trained gelding was far from disgraced in a couple of runs at the highest level last season.
SELECTION: MARINE NATIONALE
Next best: Hercule De Seuil
3.10 Mongey Communications
Beginners Chase 2m
Runner-up on his chasing debut at Wexford last month, Farran Glory can step up a place here. Winner of the Grade 1 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle last season, the Gordon Elliott-trained gelding would almost certainly have followed up at Aintree next time, but for falling when in front two out. Having run below par on his final run of the campaign, the seven-year-old looked back to himself last time.
One Last Tango needs to improve on his previous two runs over fences, but has the potential to do so. A four-time winner, the Eoin Griffin-trained gelding appears the pick of the two J.P. McManus contenders, with Mark Walsh in the saddle.
SELECTION: FARRAN GLORY
Next best: One Last Tango
3.45 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race 2m
The Gavin Cromwell-trained Lau And Shaz can land this concluding bumper under Declan Lavery. An encouraging seventh of 25 in the Goffs Defender Bumper on debut, the four-year-old found just one too good on her reappearance at Punchestown last month. With the benefit of that outing, the daughter of Kayf Tara can go one better.
Carrigmoornaspruce almost certainly bumped into a graded filly, when second at Listowel on her debut in September. With the distinct likelihood that she faces nothing of that calibre now, the Declan Queally-trained filly has to hold leading claims.
SELECTION: LAU AND SHAZ
Next best: Carrigmoornaspruce
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