Longer trip looks sure to suit Aces
He has proved a bit frustrating, but this seems a good opportunity and, hopefully, he can step up on his seasonal debut at Thurles last month.
The selection found plenty of support in the market then and travelled like a winner for much of the journey.
But two miles round that track was always going to be a trifle on the short side and Smoking Aces was worried out of it from the last and beaten half a length by Chicago Grey.
The five-year-old is entitled to come on for the outing and stepping up an extra two furlongs can only work in his favour.
Paul Nolan’s Clan Tara, who needs to improve his jumping, gets the nod in the Racecourse Signage Beginners Chase.
He went off a warm favourite at Punchestown and was bowling along merrily in front when blundering badly at the third last.
Clan Tara had little or no chance after that and is worth risking, especially if more restraint is exercised on this occasion.
At Cork tomorrow, Quel Esprit has to get the vote in the O’Connell Transport Cork Stayers’ Novice Hurdle. Admittedly, he didn’t exactly set the world alight when beating Hugo De Vindecy a length and three parts on his debut over jumps at Punchestown.
But Hugo De Vindecy subsequently boosted the form and Quel Esprit is likely to come on a bundle and relish this three miles.
The O’Connell Warehousing Hilly Way Chase could hardly be more open, but a little on Blueberry Boy may not miss the target by a whole lot.
He may not be the most obvious selection, but doesn’t have a huge amount to find on ratings and arrives here on the back of an eight lengths success in a Punchestown handicap.
At Navan tomorrow Rhyl Accord, who made a big impression when taking a moderate maiden at Thurles, can prove too good for Shinrock Paddy in the Barry and Sandra Kelly Memorial Novice Hurdle.
A half-decent round of jumping should see Cousin Vinny safely home in front in the Larry Rowan Beginners Chase.
He is potentially top-class, rounding off last season by finishing second to Mikael d’Haguenet in a Grade 1 hurdle at the Punchestown Festival.
Donnas Palm, who slammed Mourad at Fairyhouse and at the peak of his powers at the moment, can land the Giltspur Tara Hurdle.
