Go with Coolcashin
Michael Bowe’s eight-year-old showed his liking for this track when getting off the mark over fences by an easy four lengths last month.
It was his subsequent outing, however, which indicated that a competitive little contest such as this should be well be within his compass.
At Punchestown 11 days ago, Coolcashin was a desperately unlucky loser. He was brought to a standstill just after the third last by Clan Tara, who blundered badly at the obstacle.
The selection’s chance appeared to be gone, but rallied to such an extent that he only failed by a short head to reel in Aranleigh.
Equus Maximus is clearly the form horse of the contest, on his four lengths defeat of Tranquil Sea at the Punchestown Festival back in early May.
But this will be his first outing since then and the race-fit Coolcashin, in receipt of 9lbs, is preferred.
Willie Mullins trains Equus Maximus and, whatever the fate of that horse, the Carlow maestro could be in for another lucrative day.
His Apt Approach looks best in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Beginners Chase. Lightly raced and, admittedly, still with plenty to prove, this was always going to be his true vocation and he was described by Mullins at his open day as “a spectacular jumper.”
Mullins’ Otay Kawn, who wasn’t the best jumper of hurdles, might show fences more respect and gets the nod in the www.thurlesraces.ie Beginners Chase, while the ex-pointer, Angus House, having a first outing for the trainer, may provide the answer to the Bumper.
Donie Hassett’s Droim Toll, who battled on strongly to score at Punchestown, should give us a big run in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase.
He went up 8lbs for a three lengths success, but it was his first outing of the campaign and is entitled to come on by at least that much!
