Keep faith with Dizzy’s Dream
Very impressive when winning a bumper at Leopardstown last season, Noel Meade’s charge is taking his time getting off the mark over flights.
His latest effort was his worst, finishing a well beaten fifth behind McGruders Cross at Leopardstown at Christmas. But that effort is surely best ignored, coming at a time when Meade’s horses simply weren’t right.
Previously, the selection was outclassed by Sadler Wings at Punchestown (two miles and four) and was outstayed to the tune of two and a half lengths by Clounties Hill over two and three quarter miles at Punchestown.
He is now tried at the minimum trip for the first time and can prove that’s his ideal distance against a huge number of rivals, most of which have little or no chance.
Ted Walsh’s Jack High is the one to beat in the Irish Stallion Farms’ Beginners ’Chase.
He was disappointingly beaten a head and the same by Harithabad and Pelican Brief at Punchestown earlier in the month, after going off a well-backed market leader.
The selection was a trifle unlucky on that occasion, however, landing awkwardly over the last when looking a winner. He can reverse placings with Pelican Brief and cope with probable market leader, Pietro Vannucci, as well.
Amid the Chaos, who ran on strongly late when third to Cupla Cairde and Top Strategy at Punchestown, is the choice in the Group Hospitality At Fairyhouse Hurdle.
The switching of Thurles from Thursday to tomorrow could work in David Russell’s favour. Ruby Walsh was set to partner Kim Fontaine and Stashedaway on Thursday, but now rides at Punchestown and Russell takes over on both.
The improving dual bumper winner, Kim Fontaine, gets the nap in the INH Stallion Farms’ Novice Hurdle. He certainly hinted at better to come when comfortably beating subsequent winner, Hard Winter, at Leopardstown.
The dropped-in-class Stashedaway, runner-up to Hi Cloy at Limerick and Emotional Moment at Leopardstown, can take the Durkan Anaglog’s Daughter Mares Novice ‘Chase.
Arthur Moore’s Native Upmanship faces a straightforward task in the featured MacLochlainn Road Markings Ltd Kinloch Brae ’Chase.
He should come on plenty for his first outing of the campaign, fifth of seven to Beef Or Salmon at Punchestown, and has plenty in hand of his rivals at these weights.
Cane Brake, who might prefer further than this two miles, still gets the vote in the Gain Recovery Plus Hurdle. He is clearly on the upgrade, readily dismissing Lasquini Du Moulin over two and a half at Fairyhouse last time.
At Punchestown tomorrow, the tough Pedina may be capable of completing a hat-trick in the Grade Two Byrne Group PLC Novice Hurdle.
He won his maiden at Thurles and then battled on in fine style, after blundering at the last, to beat Demophilos at Navan.
