Upmanship is different class
Second in two Champion ’Chases at Cheltenham, the selection looks different class. despite being an 11-year-old.
He didn’t exactly set the world alight on his seasonal debut in the Durkan ’Chase at Punchestown in December, only managing a well beaten fifth of seven behind Beef Or Salmon. However, Arthur Moore’s gelding is likely to strip a lot fitter on this occasion and two and a half miles round here has always been ideal for him in the past.
Willie Mullins’ horses are in fine shape and his Kim Fontaine gets the nap to land the INH Stallion Farms’ EBF Novice Hurdle. The dual bumper winner has been slow enough to make his mark over flights, but did give promise of better to come at Leopardstown at Christmas. He justified favouritism with a comfortable two lengths defeat of subsequent winner Hard Winter (rec. 15lbs).
This is far more competitive, but Ruby Walsh’s mount is on the upgrade and should take plenty beating!
Walsh teams up with Stashedaway for Michael O’Brien in the Durkan New Homes Anaglog’s Daughter Mares Novice ’Chase and she is a confident choice.
Stashedaway has been mixing it with better class than these, finishing runner-up to Hi Cloy at Limerick and Emotional Moment at Leopardstown.
Cane Brake, who might prefer further than this two miles, is still preferred in the Gain Recovery Plus Hurdle. David Wachman’s charge has improved with every run and there was plenty to like about the manner in which he readily dismissed Lasquini Du Moulin by seven lengths, over two and a half, at Fairyhouse 11 days ago.
