Silent Oscar looks set to outclass rivals
The Christy Donoghue trained Silent Oscar has the ability to outclass his rivals in the opening Slievenamon Maiden Hurdle.
The seven-year-old has been absent since tilting at windmills in the Grade One Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse back in early December.
Hardly surprisingly, Silent Oscar made no show, finishing a tailed-off sixth and last behind Iktitaf. Previously, however, he indicated a little contest such as this was well within his compass when third to Blueberry Boy and Ross River at Punchestown.
The fact he hasn't run for 109 days is obviously of concern, but it is well to remember that his two successes in bumpers, at Punchestown and Listowel, both came following long breaks.
Daramas is fancied to provide the solution to the Bumper. He was the medium of a big gamble on his debut at Leopardstown in January, but it was sunk without trace on ground which was virtually unraceable.
Clearly the selection had been showing plenty at home and was seen in a far better light at Thurles subsequently.
Daramas was beaten three parts of a length into second by Willie Mullins' newcomer, Glencove Marina, in what may have been a useful enough contest. Of course there are several first-timers to worry about now, but Daramas has experience on his side and that can prove decisive.
Charlie Swan's Over The First can dismiss his two rivals, Kilbeggan Lad and Laragh House, in a disappointing turnout for the Clonmel Chase.
The 11-year-old comes here in good shape, having again performed solidly when third to Strong Project and Steel Band at Thurles earlier in the month.
