Kings can put rivals to the sword
A tough sort at his best when allowed bowl along near the front, the selection made all the running to win a bumper at Thurles.
Purcell’s charge was then partnered with restraint over flights at Navan 19 days ago, staying on strongly when half a length and a head third behind Bostons Angel and Cadspeed.
You could argue the form was let down somewhat when Cadspeed was narrowly beaten at Fairyhouse yesterday, but that was a race he really should have won!
In any case, today’s contest is more about quantity than quality and, hopefully, plenty of use will be made of The Kings Sword on this occasion.
Alaivan, formerly trained on the level by John Oxx, is a fascinating recruit to jumping in the Fancy A Festival Flutter three-year-old Hurdle.
Unraced as a juvenile, the Kalanisi gelding won two from four as a three-year-old, ending with a clear-cut success in a Listed event over 12 furlongs at Roscommon in July.
He is very much at home on heavy ground, has to get the vote, and, if taking to this game, could prove a big addition to the Edward O’Grady yard.
At his best Luska Lad would make short work of the opposition in the Ghia Booster Novice Hurdle
But he performed deplorably at Thurles last time, trailing in a long way adrift in seventh spot behind Chicago Grey.
He was found to be post-race normal, so it is difficult to know what to expect now. Gallant Light, 13lbs wrong with Luska Lad, is preferred.
At least the five-year-old is in the form of his life, scoring by seven lengths in a maiden on this track on his latest appearance.
Alice Bradys Call, taking a major drop in class, having finished a remote third to Dunguib at Fairyhouse last week, can finally enjoy a turn in the Santa’s Little Helper Maiden Hurdle.
