12.02 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Hurdle 2m
Despite being raised 16lb after a facile success on his recent stable debut at Thurles, Brave Troop is difficult to oppose. A smart handicapper on the flat, the five-year-old still looks well-treated relative to his mark in that sphere. It is surely significant that James Smith stays loyal to the Charles Byrnes-trained gelding in a race where he had a number of different options.
Three-time winner Portnacoo has to be respected on his stable debut for Ross O’Sullivan. A slight concern would have to be raised about the fact that all his victories have come around the unique track at Downpatrick.
SELECTION: BRAVE TROOP
Next best: Portnacoo
12.35 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Hurdle 2m 4f
A winner of her maiden hurdle here on her penultimate start, Cast A Spell can add a second success over flights. The Tom Hogan-trained mare is readily forgiven a subsequent defeat in Grade 2 company at Fairyhouse. Stepping up to this trip should really suit the strong staying six-year-old, who has built up a good partnership with Cian Quirke.
Towards the foot of the weights, Away To Milan has to be of interest for the in-form team of Philip Rothwell and Tiernan Power Roche. The six-year-old ran a race full of promise on his recent return from a long layoff.
SELECTION: CAST A SPELL
Next best: Away To Milan
1.10 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Hurdle 3m 1f
Billy Lee Swagger should be hard to beat if staying this extended trip. The Philip Rothwell-trained gelding has been ultra-consistent in stronger races, since breaking his maiden duck at Punchestown last December. Fitted with first-time cheekpieces and with the excellent Tiernan Power Roche claiming 7lb, the five-year-old has plenty to recommend him.
Royal Cave, a faller at the final flight when still in front at Fairyhouse last time, remains well-treated. Although raised 3lb subsequently, the locally-trained mare could still have a bit in hand.
SELECTION: BILLY LEE SWAGGER
Next best: Royal Cave
1.45 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Chase 2m
Lightly raced over fences, Cheerful Chap appears to have some scope from a mark of 104. Three-times successful over flights, the Philip Rothwell-trained gelding has been placed on two of his three runs over fences. Rated 13lb lower in this discipline and with his jockey claiming a valuable 7lb, he should be very competitive here.
Top weight Dont Go Yet should appreciate this easier assignment, having run with credit when fifth in a listed handicap chase at Fairyhouse last time. Carl Millar claims an additional 5lb, which should ease the burden further.
SELECTION: CHEERFUL CHAP
Next best: Dont Go Yet
2.20 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Chase 2m 4f 120y
The Gavin Cromwell-trained Individualiste can follow up his recent win at Thurles. The former Paul Nicholls inmate returned to something like his best with a comfortable success. Although he will need to prove he can back up with performance, the six-year-old sets the standard.
Andys Flame, who had excuses when disappointing at Naas last time, would have a live chance. John McConnell’s seven-year-old is a point-to-point winner.
SELECTION: INDIVIDUALISTE
Next best: Andys Flame
2.55 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Chase 3m
With the form of his latest runner-up effort having been franked subsequently, Potters Party looks to have strong claims.
Henry de Bromhead’s seven-year-old gave weight to a gelding, who went on to follow up in a listed handicap chase on his next start. This looks a good opportunity for the son of Mahler to record a second career win.
The consistent Pipers Boreen should again run her race from near the foot of the weights. The mare, who has been placed on both starts over fences to date, should have scope to progress further.
SELECTION: POTTERS PARTY
Next best: Pipers Boreen
3.25 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Future Champions INH Flat Race (Listed) 2m
The Gordon Elliott-trained Classical Creek can confirm the huge promise he showed when landing his bumper first time out at Down Royal.
A former point-to-point winner, the Walk In The Park gelding was forced to make most of the running. With Harry Swan taking the mount, he looks the stable number one in this competitive contest.
Patrick Mullins is a notable booking for Elliott on Punchestown winner Kalypso’chance. A really impressive scorer on that occasion, it can’t have been an easy decision for Swan to get off his back.
SELECTION: CLASSICAL CREEK
Next best: Kalypso’chance
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