Hedgehunter can spring mild surprise
There is little doubt that if the real Beef Or Salmon turns up then he will win and it is only a question of whether one is willing to take a chance on a horse who is likely to go off odds-on.
Michael Hourigan's gelding finished last season on a poor note when making no show in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and that followed on a 14 lengths defeat by Rule Supreme in the Hennessy on this track. Beef Or Salmon made a promising seasonal debut at Haydock last month when beaten a length and a quarter by Kingscliff with Monday's King George hero, Kicking King, definitely well below his best then, nine lengths further away in third.
Hedgehunter has 10lbs to find with Beef Or Salmon, but that is far from insurmountable, and he warmed up for this test with a recent spin over flights.
Hedgehunter is clearly rapidly on the upgrade, producing a terrific display at Aintree in April to win the Grand National unextended by a whopping 14 lengths.
War Of Attrition, excuses were put forward for the effort, performed deplorably when a remote fifth behind Hi Cloy in the John Durkan at Punchestown.
If either War Of Attrition or Beef Or Salmon puts his best foot forward then one of them will win, but Hedgehunter is rock solid and the fact he comes from a yard, Willie Mullins', which is bang in form sways me towards him.
Solerina, who has never won over three miles, can set the record straight in the woodies.com Christmas Hurdle.
She showed she was as good as ever when slamming Emotional Moment by 20 lengths at Navan last time and will never get a better opportunity.
Homer Wells, who battled strongly get off the mark over fences at Fairyhouse, is napped to take the Ascon-Rohcon Novice Chase. He is likely to be even more effective travelling left-handed.
At Limerick today Oscar's Advance, who did us two favours when scoring at Punchestown and Thurles, is again the choice in the Ladbrokes.ie Dorans Pride Novice Hurdle.
