’Verde can land wide open National
The nine-year-old already has one major prize in the locker this season, taking the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park, and this dour stayer will surely relish the three miles and five furlongs. He comes here on the back of an unlucky third behind Point Barrow and Mullacash at Navan last time. In truth it would have been no surprise had Ruby Walsh pulled him up on that occasion.
The selection was travelling strongly when making a dreadful blunder five out and it was remarkable that he was actually able to work his way back into the contest.
Four others against the field are Arthur Moore's pair Jaquouille and Marcus Du Berlais, Kymandjen and What Odds.
Jaquouille, second behind Keepatem in the Paddy Power at Leopardstown, warmed up for this with a recent spin over flights.
Marcus De Berlais ran in the same hurdle race as Jaquouille and showed stamina is hardly a worry when going down by half a length to Granit D'Estruval in this race a year ago. Kymandejen was only beaten a short head by Numbersixvalverde in the Thyestes, while What Odds stays forever and has to be on the short-list.
Ruby Walsh could be in for a lucrative day and also has prospects aboard Tasman, Mr Babbage and Mossy Green.
Tasman gets the nap in the Leinster Petroleum Handicap Hurdle, his first venture into this sort of company.
A really promising young horse, he found two miles far too short when a close fifth behind Arteea at Naas earlier in the month.
Yogi is best treated at the weights in the McGarrell Reilly Homes Hurdle, but is making a quick reappearance after finishing sixth behind Inglis Drever in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham and is passed over.
Preference is for Mr Babbage, a dour stayer who has been given a decent break since disappointing when a poor fourth in the contest won by Washington Lad at Leopardstown in January.
The versatile Mossy Green, an easy winner over fences at Thurles, gets the nod in the Joe Molloy Bookmakers’ Telebetting 1850882888 Hurdle.
At Cork today Mounthenry, rested since taking third behind Monoceros and Offshore Account at Thurles towards the end of January, is the choice to take what looks a moderate Bumper.
