1.00 Torc Travel Maiden Hurdle 2m 1f
The Edward O’Grady-trained St Faz can register a first success over flights. Third in a juvenile hurdle over course and distance last August, the former flat winner later went on to occupy the same position at Cork in January. Having run a big race back on the level at Navan on his reappearance last month, the four-year-old should be ready for this assignment.
Point-to-point winner Heroes Rise showed that he had races in him when eighth at Fairyhouse on his debut under rules. Although likely to need further in time, the Gordon Elliott-trained gelding should be competitive in this company.
SELECTION: ST FAZ
Next best: Heroes Rise
1.35 Mongey Communications Maiden Hurdle 2m 1f
Irish Panther, one of the better bumper horses last term, returns to hurdling after a winter break. With the form of his initial two efforts having been well franked over the past few months, it would come as no surprise to see the Edward O’Grady-trained seven-year-old go very close. Nicer ground should also suit the son of Lucarno, who just seemed to struggle on proper winter going.
Former point-to-point winner Al Gasparo has shown enough on two starts since joining Gavin Cromwell to suggest that he will get his turn over hurdles. Although likely to want more of a trip going forward, the five-year-old should be good enough to at least get competitive at this distance.
SELECTION: IRISH PANTHER
Next best: Al Gasparo
2.10 Killarney Towers Hotel & Leisure Centre Mares Hurdle (Listed) 2m 1f
The ever admirable Effernock Fizz can gain a second course and distance success. Trained by Kerry-born Cian Collins, the gutsy mare showed real determination when battling back late on to land a listed handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse over Easter. Although subsequently beaten in the Scottish Champion Hurdle and at the Punchestown Festival, the nine-year-old can resume winning ways at a track that suits.
Minx Tiara, another mare who tends to race prominently, went very close at the Dublin Racing Festival in February, before disappointing in the Imperial Cup next time. Given plenty of time to recover from that effort, she rates as one of the more likely winners.
SELECTION: EFFERNOCK FIZZ
Next best: Minx Tiara
2.45 Lakes Of Killarney Handicap Hurdle 2m 1f
On the assumption that the ground will ride on the quick side, Encanto Bruno could prove to be a well handicapped horse. Twice a winner over hurdles before Christmas, the Gavin Cromwell-trained six-year-old disappointed on testing ground on his only two runs in the new year. With the form of his Cheltenham bumper win for John McConnell having received a huge boost, when the second, Strong Leader, won a Grade 1 hurdle at Aintree, he commands maximum respect.
So Scottish is well treated over flights relative to his chase rating but to the Emmet Mullins-trained seven-year-old has failed to exploit that lenient mark. Perhaps the better ground can bring about desired improvement.
SELECTION: ENCANTO BRUNO
Next best: So Scottish
3.20 Gerard O’Sullivan Memorial Novice Chase 2m 7f
A dual winner over hurdles at this track last season, the Enda Bolger-trained Solitary Man is certain to be well schooled ahead of this chasing debut. With a rating of 135 over flights, he was the best of these as a hurdler but always gave the impression he could do even better when tackling a fence. A proven stayer who handles good ground, the six-year-old can get his new career off to a winning start.
Music Of Tara, who made a winning debut over fences at Tipperary last month, should make this a competitive race.
SELECTION: SOLITARY MAN
Next best: Music Of Tara
3.55 Donie Sheahan Memorial
Irish EBF Mares Beginners Chase 2m 4f 180yds
A bumper winner here prior to going on to listed success over hurdles, the Willie Mullins-trained Saylavee can make a successful return to the Co Kerry track. Runner-up in a Grade 3 hurdle at Punchestown in February, the seven-year-old battled on bravely to land some valuable prize money for her stable when third at Aintree recently.
Pebble Bleu, who made a pleasing debut over fences when runner-up at Tramore recently, should reach the frame once again.
SELECTION: SAYLAVEE
Next best: Pebble Bleu
4.30 Tote Killarney National
Handicap Chase 3m 2f
The Enda Bolger-trained Birchdale should be spot on for this assignment, having run well for a long way at Punchestown last time in the La Touche Cup.
Arguably at his best at around two miles and five furlongs, the 10-year-old was always likely to find four miles and a furlong taxing his stamina but should have derived considerable benefit from the outing nonetheless.
A winner over three miles, the J.P. McManus-owned gelding was still very much in contention for this race last year when falling two out. Winner of four of his five starts at this track, Stealthy Tom was brought down at the fifth. Having had a nice pipe opener over hurdles at Naas last month, the gelding, also trained by Enda Bolger, should be cherry ripe for this return to the kingdom.
SELECTION: BIRCHDALE
Next best: Stealthy Tom
5.05 An Excellent Choice Bumper
2m 1f
Florida Strait, a half-brother to multiple winners including two blacktype horses, can make a winning debut. The Joseph O’Brien-trained gelding comes from a real staying family but being by Australia, he should also have that touch of speed that could make him a potent force in this division. The Ray Grehan-owned four-year-old looks the horse to beat.
With trainer Sam Curling always a man to fear at this track, his unraced debutant Derryville catches the eye.
SELECTION: FLORIDA STRAIT
Next best: Derryville
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