Simple task for Hardy Eustace on seasonal debut
Dessie Hughes’ gelding meets just two opponents and the trainer will surely be more shocked if his dual Champion Hurdler fails to deliver than he was by the antics of Roger Loughran aboard Central house at Leopradstown on Tuesday!
Principal rival Native Upmanship’s best years are long behind him, while Tawrific Laois is rated 55lbs below Hardy Eustace.
Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins can combine for a double with Mister Hight and Center Field. Mister Hight is towards the head of the ante-post market for Cheltenham’s Triumph Hurdle and Mullins finally takes the wraps off him in the Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Punchestown three-year-old Hurdle.
The French-bred revels in testing conditions, rounding off last flat season with cosy successes at Navan and Leoaprdstown.
Former pointer Center Field is the choice in the Visit The Panoramic Restaurant Beginners Chase.
He was beaten a little under 11 lengths into fourth at Fairyhouse earlier in the month and was a short head adrift of third placed Theatre Lane. They meet on the same terms, but Center Field is now given preference, on the basis the very lightly-raced seven-year-old has more scope for improvement.
Most interesting contest at Fairyhouse tomorrow is the Hangover Maiden Hurdle, which brings together Tardenois, fourth behind Powerstation, Travino and Vic Venturi at Navan, and two promising horses in Mattock Ranger and Vedelle.
There was a lot to like about the way Mattock Ranger stayed on to win an ordinary bumper at Thurles, while Vedelle hasn’t been seen since slamming Vic Venturi by eight lengths at the Punchestown Festival in April. Mattock Ranger gets the nod.
Heez A Wonder will be hard to beat in the Dunboyne Handicap Chase. He won in a canter at Leopardstown on Thursday and it is no surprise Francis Flood turns him out again so quickly under a paltry 4lbs penalty.
At Tramore today, where betting opportunities appear thin on the ground, Danehill Diamond is fancied to take the Metal Man Novice Hurdle.
She is on the upgrade, finishing with a real flourish when beating hot-pot Marbeuf a head at Gowran Park.
At Tramore tomorrow, Willie Mullins’ Mossy Green can celebrate his 12th birthday by landing the Listed Wilf Dooly Chase.
His two outings this season have shown he’s far from a back number, scoring over fences at Thurles and following with a solid effort when runner-up behind According To Billy over flights, also at Thurles.
The mildly frustrating Theatre Diva can enjoy a turn in the James F Wallace Accountants and Consultants Maiden Hurdle, having been grabbed late by Lady Kate Ellen in a Gowran Park handicap last time.
