Row in with Woodhouse
The selection has a serious chance on his best form and probably can be forgiven a couple of below-par efforts, on the basis that they came at a time when the trainer’s string was badly out of sorts.
At Naas back in November, Woodhouse had future winner stamped all over him when a highly creditable fourth to Forty Licks and Travino.
There then followed two relatively poor performances, before again hinting his turn would not be long delayed at Naas in January.
The seven-year-old finished a length and seven lengths third behind King Johns Castle and Snow Tern, in a contest which was a lot better than today’s test. Both Snow Tern and fourth placed The Bosses Nephew have scored in the meantime.
Munchy Mike looks a live danger, although his handler, Pat Fahy, has had a terrible campaign. Nevertheless, Munchy Mike stayed on strongly at the end of two miles at Punchestown a week ago when beaten half a length by Supreme Du Casse.
Carrig An Uisce may be capable of defying top weight in the Justine’s Restaurant Downpatrick Handicap Hurdle.
He certainly hinted at better to come when fourth to Maralan at Navan and an extra two furlongs now should be a plus.
Feature event is the Powers’ Whiskey Ulster Grand National Handicap Chase, with Ted Walsh’s Joint Agreement a hopeful choice.
A solid stayer over flights, he has yet to produce his best over fences. Joint Agreement should strip fresh and well, however, having been rested since taking a remote fourth behind Laureldean over a totally inadequate two miles and a furlong at Naas in early January.
