Le Coudray set to extend his winning run
He has made a fantastic return to the game, following almost three years on the sidelines, and the signs thus far are that he is as good as ever. He fell at the second last on his debut over fences at Cork, when looking to have the race at this mercy, but made no mistake on his next two outings.
Le Coudray was quite brilliant when scoring over two miles at Naas and then powered through the very testing conditions, proving six lengths too strong for an in-form Barrow Drive in the Grade One Pierse Drinmore ’Chase at Fairyhouse.
The selection was very much a stayer over hurdles and you could argue that this trip (two miles and a furlong) is on the short side. The ground was officially heavy at Leopardstown yesterday, however, so there seems little doubt the emphasis come Thursday will be on stamina rather than speed.
The Gatherer and Bust Out are worthy opponents, but Le Coudray can take this on the way to stiffer tests.
Michael Halford’s mud-lover Golden Cross gets the nap to complete a five-timer in the Denny Juvenile Hurdle.
He scored three times in-a-row on the level, before making a successful start over jumps when easily brushing aside Mirpour at Fairyhouse.
Edward O’Grady’s Kickham has been midly disapppointing since launched over jumps, but can get off the mark in the Denny WAIFOS Maiden Hurdle.
He gave the impression stepping up in distance would be in his favour when three parts of a length runner-up to Plenty Of Ice over two miles at Navan last month.
Surprisingly, just five are set to face the starter in the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Handicap ’Chase and a solid case can surely only be made for two off them, Rheindross and Wilton Bridge.
Preference is for Rheindross, beaten into second spot by Wilton Bridge’s stable companion, Finians Ivy, at Punchestown.
Christy Roche looks set to supply the answer to the Bumper with the once-raced Which Half. The Curragh handler has a wealth of young talent at his disposal and this son of Grand Plaisir caught the eye when third over hurdles to Turtleback at Fairyhouse.
At Limerick, the feature is the Guinness Greenmount Park Novice ’Chase. Michael Hourigan’s Beef Or Salmon is a notable absentee from the contest. Hourigan could not get a top pilot for his star and has decided to reroute him to the Ericsson ’Chase at Leopardstown on Saturday instead, where he will be partnered by Timmy Murphy.
Tony Mullins’ Barrow Drive can now provide the solution. He has done everything asked of him and there was no disgrace in his six lengths second to Le Coudray at Fairyhouse.
The progressive Be My Belle, hugely impressive when scoring in a canter at Fairyhouse, should go well, but two and a half miles round here looks on the sharp side for her!
Tommy Stack’s Hit The Net rates one of the better bets on the programme, in the Bumper.
The Be My Native gelding made a fine start at the Punchestown Festival in April, six lengths second to Leinster. Back in third, a further two lengths away, was the useful, Central House.
