Developer can reign Supreme
If the green light is given then Tony Mullins’ Supreme Developer, who has been costly to follow over flights so far, can land the nap in the second section of the Mullacurry Maiden Hurdle.
He was an odds-on shot on his debut over jumps at Punchestown, but went down by a head to the ordinary Mystic Lord.
It wasn’t a big shock, however, because the selection was almost certainly badly in need of the run, and, indeed, there was no surprise when he was again entrusted with favouritism at Leopardstown at Christmas.
Supreme Developer was mildly disappointing on this occasion, only managing third behind Hi Cloy and the unlucky in running, Rosenca.
Two places and three and a half lengths away was his main danger now, Jouer D’Estruval. Willie Mullins’ gelding has lots of scope for improvement, but Supreme Developer still rates the vote.
Frances Crowley’s Nil Desperandum gets the nod to take the Conway Group Novice Hurdle.
He is clearly going the right way, following his success in a maiden at Punchestown by running the ultra-smart Hardy Eustace to three parts of a length at Leopardstown.
Dessie Hughes’ Heads Onthe Ground should go close in the first division of the Mannix Dowdall Maiden Hurdle. He was beaten a length by Azur Tonic at Clonmel in November. The form reads well, considering it was 25 lengths back to the third and that Azur Tonic went on to win again next time at Thurles.
Marigold should be hard to beat in the first division of the Mullacurry Maiden Hurdle. This is a weak contest and she won’t have to improve much on her third to Mullacash at Leopardstown to take a hand in the finish.
Tomorrow, of course, it is the Pierse Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown and a 30-runner puzzle for punters to solve.
Ted Walsh hasn’t been enjoying the best of campaigns, but Some Buzz may put a smile on his face by providing the solution.
He, admittedly, is a somewhat enigmatic character but very useful when on song. The eight-year-old won a true run race at Leopardstown on his latest appearance, beating Evening Scent four lengths and can confirm the placings on 8lbs worse terms.
The opening PBS Hurdle can go to Michael O’Brien’s lightly raced Thaix, who, despite constantly jumping to his right, produced endless stamina to beat Poachin Again at Leopardstown by six lengths on his first pop over hurdles.
Eskimo Jack, having only his fourth outing over fences, can provide the answer to the Pierse Leopardstown Chase.
He defied the steadier of 12-0 to win in a canter at Navan and can now make light of a 10lbs hike in the weights.
