Warrens can be king of the Castle
Ability to handle the likely very fast surface will be a big plus and Warrens Castle will revel in the conditions.
He has clearly been laid out with this major prize in mind, only running once so far this campaign.
That was at Down Royal last month when beating Ursumman a comfortable two lengths.
He jumped and travelled well through that contest, tiring a little near the end and giving the impression there would be a lot more to come.
The eight-year-old will have Ruby Walsh on board, hardly a minus, and he knows what’s required, having taken the Plate on Moscow Express in ‘99.
A year ago Ansar did us a big favour and Dermot Weld’s Galway specialist has to be on any short list, despite having to carry top weight.
The booking of Denis O’Regan eases his burden a little and Ansar ran a cracker over flights at Tipperary recently.
As well as that, he reportedly schooled splendidly on a recent spin over fences at Ballinrobe. Ansar runs now off a mark just 7lbs higher, which is hardly draconian.
Mirpour, Kickham, and Look Between Us, if he stays, are others who have to be considered, but when in doubt keep Ruby on your side and I am happy enough to row in with Warrens Castle.
John Kiely’s Clara Allen merits the nap in the HP Software Licensing and Management Solutions Maiden for amateur riders.
Paul Cashman’s mount performed solidly when beaten two and a half lengths by Summer Soul at Killarney. Summer Soul did the form no harm at all when chasing home Noend here on Monday night.
Dermot Weld’s lightly-raced Bawaader is hard to oppose in the HP Adaptive Enterprise Maiden.
The son of Indian Rdige was beaten a length by the useful Powder Paint at Navan and that seems to give him a clear edge against moderate rivals.
Dr Julian, a creditable second on the flat to Amid The Chaos at Wexford, is another possibility for Ruby Walsh in the competitive HP Web Governance Service Handicap Hurdle.
