Milenium and Ruby look good
The defection of Solerina yesterday means this could develop into the ultimate in tactical races and, having Ruby Walsh on your side, can only be a plus.
The selection does look the safest proposition, given that he can come from behind, cruise in mid-division or make the running.
Davenport Milenium has never quite fulfilled the tremendous potential he showed in his novice days, his career having been stunted by persistent tendon problems. But he comes here in good shape, having hinted at a return to his very best at Cheltenham in December when beaten a length into second place by Rigmarole.
Golden Cross, Spirit Leader and Flame Creek, first, second and third, respectively, in the Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown at Christmas, all renew rivalry.
In theory, Golden Cross should again emerge the best of the trio. That performance, however, was far in advance of anything he had produced previously and is best watched on this occasion!
The rapidly improving Spirit Leader finished with a flourish last time and may reverse placings. She is best coming off a strong gallop, however, and whether the contest will be run to suit remains to be seen.
Kicking King is fancied to give his Cheltenham hopes a major boost by landing the Bailey’s Arkle Cup. He looked destined to beat Central House decisively at Leopardstown until falling two out and has since enjoyed a confidence-restorer with an easy victory at Punchestown.
Away Home and Watson Lake are the two to concentrate on in the betfair.com Golden Cygnet Novice Hurdle.
Watson Lake won his maiden in a canter at Navan in December and may yet develop into a very good horse. Preference, though, is for Away Home, who chased home McGruders Cross at Naas as a prelude to a comfortable six lengths defeat of Lordofourown on this track.
Dual bumper winner, John Oliver, who faded badly in the closing stages when fifth to Arch Stanton at Leopardstown on his seasonal debut, will strip fitter for the Saltan Properties Maiden Hurdle and gets the vote.
At Naas today, Solerina will surely lead her rivals a merry dance in the Bank Of Ireland Hurdle! She found two miles all to sharp at Leopardstown last time, fourth to Golden Cross, and the trip and the opposition now will be far more to her liking.
The Irish stallion Farms’ EBF Novice Hurdle can be safely narrowed down to Cupla Cairde and Vic Ville.
Cupla Cairde was the medium of an inspired drive from Paul Carberry at Punchestown a week ago, turning over hot-pot, Top Strategy.
He will take plenty catching, but Vic Ville, winner of a bumper here and over hurdles at Cork, looks a decent sort and can prove the stronger in the closing stages.
Emotional Moment is easily the best horse in the Woodlands Park 100 Club Novice ‘Chase, but his jumping remains far from convincing and Jim may be prove the value.
In contrast, the seven-year-old jumps for fun, as he proved when slamming Yeoman’s Point and Hi Cloy at Naas earlier in the month, and looks sure to at least ask questions of the certain favourite.
