Rely on Our Monty
He had his first outing for Willie Mullins at Limerick on Sunday and scored with any amount in hand.
Mullins hardly ever runs horses back quickly and it is indeed a rare occurrence to see him producing one just three days after winning.
But his hand has been forced somewhat by the handicapper and Mullins has clearly decided that, in this case, he really has no choice.
At Limerick, over two miles and six, the selection was travelling so strongly turning for home that it appeared as if he had joined in at that point!
He crossed the line five lengths clear, with Ruby Walsh sitting motionless. It was quite obvious the handicapper would not be best-pleased and he has reacted by raising Our Monty by 19lbs in the future.
For the moment, however, he competes here under a mandatory 6lbs penalty and is hard to oppose.
Weapon’s Amnesty, successful in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March, makes his debut over fences in the Ambassador’s Beginners Chase.
He is surely the best horse in the race and, if the market speaks in his favour, will probably deliver.
But this is a horse for the future and just how fired-up he will be remains to be seen. Preference is for Corskeagh Royale, representing Noel Meade, whose charges are simply flying right now.
A high-class bumper horse, he never fulfilled his potential over flights last season and, at times, there was cause to question his resolution. But we can be pretty certain Corskeagh Royal will strip fit and fancied and this was always going to be his true vocation!
