Dizzy poised for dream jumps debut
The twice-raced son of Shernazar cut little ice in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham in March, finishing 18th behind Liberman.
He is surely much better judged, however, on his previous performance at Leopardstown. Dizzy’s Dream certainly looked a smart horse in the making then, landing a 19-runner event by eight lengths.
Nil Desperandum and Central House, two more than useful novice hurdlers, look the two to concentrate on in the Beginners ’Chase.
The vote falls on Nil Desperandum, who rounded off a good campaign when scoring by five lengths at Navan in March. He’s tough and resolute and is fancied to outstay Central House.
The one definite about the Thornberry Hurdle is that it will play host to a flood of future winners.
A hopeful vote goes to Kahuna, who will strip fit and fancied, following an easily gained victory in a much lesser type of contest at Cork last weekend.
At Punchestown tomorrow, Back In Front will be the focus of much attention in the Mongey Communications Morgiana Hurdle.
If Edward O’Grady’s charge comes here in the same shape that saw him take the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham by ten lengths then there can only be one result.
You would have to say, though, his seasonal reappearance at Tipperary in October was most disappointing. He never promised to get to grips with all-the-way winner, Intersky Falcon, going down by 12 lengths.
Solerina could turn him over! She’s a brilliant mare, who has won seven of her eight races over hurdles.
Two miles is, admittedly, on the short side, so every drop of rain that falls, to make this a greater test of stamina, will be a help.
Barry Geraghty, who partners Back In Front for the first time, can guide Kicking King to land the Western Pleasure Craddockstown Novice ’Chase.
The last occasion we saw him, the selection finished a remote, but creditable, second to Back In Front at Cheltenham. He got better as the season progressed and, reportedly, has schooled really well in preparation for this initial test over fences.
Blue Corrig, who created a favourable impression when getting off the mark over flights at Fairyhouse, can keep Shay Barry’s excellent run going in the Quinn-Direct 3-Y-O Hurdle.
