Testing conditions ideal for Ebadiyan
The Co Monaghan trainer’s antics when he saddles a winner are now legendary and he could well have cause for celebration following the Listed Fisher Lane Hurdle.
Brady’s flying grey, Ebadiyan, gets the nap to beat some useful rivals in what has the makings of a cracking contest.
Ebadiyan, one of the best juveniles in the country last season, normally jumps for fun and will revel in the testing conditions.
He returned to action in a Grade 3 at Down Royal earlier in the month, trailing in fourth of five behind the impressive Voler La Vedette.
The selection was noted staying on quite nicely in the end, however, and is entitled to come on a bundle for the run.
The hat-trick seeking Arabella Boy is a horse for the future, but is taking a big rise in class, so the main danger looks to be Edward O’Grady’s Torphichen.
He scored for David Pipe at Ludlow and Sandown, before losing his way somewhat on two occasions at Cheltenham.
Torphichen was very much back on track, though, on his first outing in Ireland, when beaten half a length into second by Lucky At Last on the flat at Galway in October.
Ruby Walsh can guide Luska Lad to success in the opening Racing Again At Naas 3rd January Hurdle.
The four-times bumper winner easily landed his maiden at Galway, but was then thrown right in at the deep end in Voler La Vedette’s Grade 3 at Down Royal.
He ran well for a long way, but was ultimately outclassed, eventually finishing a remote third. This is a lot easier and going another three furlongs in trip can only work in Luska Lad’s favour.
Much interest will centre on the return to action of Captain Cee Bee, absent for 600 days and winner of last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Beginners Chase.
Zaarito and Nicanor also make this a particularly hot heat, but the nod falls on Apt Approach, described by trainer Willie Mullins at his open day as “a spectacular jumper.”
