Back In Front can oblige
Edward O’Grady’s six-year-old is a brilliant performer, when on song, and though unlikely to be anywhere near fully wound up at such an early part of the campaign, has the class to cut down his rival in the closing stages.
The selection produced a breathtaking display at the Cheltenham Festival, taking the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle by ten lengths.
He didn’t produce his best form when running twice at Punchestown subsequently. Back In Front beat Limerick Boy cosily enough on the Tuesday, but then went down to Intersky Falcon’s stable companion, Quazar, three days later.
Intersky Falcon won this race last year and then went from strength to strength afterwards. Indeed, the only blot on his record was a mildly disappointing effort when finishing a remote fifth behind Rooster Booster in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Connections signalled just how serious they are about this challenge when John Joe O’Neill’s charge arrived at Tipperary on Thursday.
Jessica Harrington’s Colca Canyon gets the nap to land the Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Novice 'Chase.
He progressed well over flights and is also going the right way over fences, a blip at the last at Listowel last time aside.
Colca Canyon made the running and appeared to have eventual winner Anxious Moments’ measure when fate took a hand.
Rockstown Boy and Kickham are certain to be two very popular choices in the Kevin McManus Bookmaker Joe Mac Novice Hurdle.
Two classy sorts, it is not beyond the bounds of possibilty they will prove vulnerable over two miles.
A chance is taken with Felix The Great, who appeared to be rapidly on the upgrade when proving far too good for Pakiefromathleague in a maiden hurdle at Listowel.
Mick Channon’s Nights Cross, who was been keeping smart company across the water, may collar the trail-blazing Blue Crush in the Danehill Dancer Tipperary Stakes.
On what could be best described as a grim programme at Punchestown this afternoon, the first two contests may offer the best chance of showing a profit.
The moderate Kelly’s Craft can carry too many guns for his rivals in the Stanley Racing Maiden Hurdle.
He was upsides odds-on favourite Rupununi when parting company with Shay Barry at the last at Listowel and, barring a similar mishap, will take plenty beating in this company.
Kings Orchard, admittedly a bit of an in-and-out performer, is useful on his day and is napped to take the Arthurstown Hurdle.
