El Toreros can make it third time lucky
A modest enough performer on the flat, El Toreros made a decent start over jumps when a running-on third behind Leroy Parker and the enigmatic His Excellency at Fairyhouse.
Then at Leopardstown five days ago the selection was pitched into Grade 2 company when fifth behind His Excellency.
He ran well enough to indicate that a little maiden is at least within his capabilities and fitting him with blinkers now can only be a plus.
Only four are set to face the starter in the Follow Punchestown On Facebook Hurdle, but it is a fascinating affair nonetheless.
Karabak seems to have completely lost his way, but the other three are interesting. Mikael D’Haguenet left some way below-par efforts behind when scoring cosily at Fairyhouse and had Benash six lengths adrift in fourth place.
Benash re-opposes on 8lbs better terms and has the added bonus of a 7lbs claimer. Western Leader, a cracking horse, has been off for 631 days, having broken down when second at Aintree, but is reportedly working well. Mikael D’Haguenet represents the safest proposition.
The Punchestown Hospitality Beginners Chase can go to Tom Cooper’s Son Amix, making a quick reappearance after departing the scene at the tenth in the Grade 1 won by Last Instalment at Leopardstown on Wednesday.
Before that Son Amix was two lengths second behind Allee Garde at Clonmel and that was a solid effort.
At Tramore today, Willie Mullins’ Turban can prove too strong for Mississippi River in the 2012 Tramore Centenary Year Novice Hurdle. He beat subsequent winners Folsom Blue and Trifolium at Thurles and then stepped up in class to finish a creditable fifth to Dedigout at Navan.
At Fairyhouse tomorrow Mullins’ Lios A Choill gets the nap in the Ratoath Community Beginners’ Chase.
He got tired in the closing stages when third to Crash at Punchestown earlier in the month and will surely strip a lot fitter now.
Mullins’ Lord Gale, a smart horse in bumpers, can take the Bobbyjo Bistro Maiden Hurdle and the trainer’s French-import Tennis Cap, third to Monksland at Navan on his first outing in Ireland, gets the nod in the New Year Maiden Hurdle.
The Listed Holden Plant Rentals Chase at Tramore tomorrow is best left to Gordon Elliott’s Roi du Mee.
He was a moderate third when falling at the last in the John Durkan at Punchestown, won by Rubi Light, but this is easier.
