Roche and O’Dwyer poised for double
He returned from a long absence to justify strong favouritism in a 26-runner Cork bumper 13 days ago. Confidently handled by Alan Crowe, the selection produced a fine display of staying power.
He was taken to the front well over three quarters of a mile from home and galloped on relentlessly to beat promising newcomer, Anyportinastorm, a cosy length and a half.
The five-year-old has two previous outings over flights under his belt and that will stand to him facing into this test.
Mirpour, runner-up behind the smart Rockstown Boy at Gowran Park, is the obvious danger. He had a spin on the flat at the Curragh on Sunday, so will hardly lack for fitness, but is a hard horse with which to win.
Conor O’Dwyer partners Mind The Square and he and Roche also have prospects with Plenty Of Ice in the Moat Field Hurdle.
Plenty Of Ice could only stay on one-paced when third to Aye Aye Popeye at the Punchestown Festival and stepping up another half mile in trip now might just be the key to him.
In The Forge, who has ’chaser written all over him, can make a succesful fencing debut in the Cill Dara Security Services Beginners ’Chase.
He ran the race of his young life at the Festivel here in early May, when a creditable third behind Quazar and Back In Front in the Grade One Emo Oil Champion Hurdle.
Kitty Star, representing the in-form John Kiely yard, made a good start with a four lengths second to market leader, Monte Vista, on this track and can go one better in the Bumper.
