It all points to War of Attrition winning battle
Mouse Morris' charge has everything going for him, meeting his rival on 4lbs better terms than in a handicap and, unlike his rival, with the benefit of an outing under his belt.
The progressive six-year-old, very highly rated by his handler, has always threatened to be top class and made a splendid seasonal debut at Punchestown last month.
War Of Attrition showed that staying is his game when beating Kicking King by three lengths. It would be silly, of course, to believe the form is completely reliable, but it was a still a fine effort on the part of the selection.
Rathgar Beau, winner of this contest a year ago, is an opponent who has to be respected and his short head defeat of Moscow Flyer at the Punchestown Festival in April speaks for itself.
But the vote has to go to War Of Attrition and the 4-6 offered by Cashmans for a period yesterday afternoon surely represented real value!
Sunami Storm gets the nap to make a winning debut over fences in the EBF T.A Morris Memorial Mares Novice Chase.
Willie Mullins' inmate won a couple of times over flights last season, giving the impression she wouldn't hit top gear until given a shot at this game.
If first reserve Justpourit gets into the INH Stallion Owners' EBF Maiden Hurdle then one would look no further for the likely winner.
He showed at Naas on Saturday he was very much heading the right direction when a creditable third behind the smart pair, Forty licks and Travino.
In his absence Stoneville, easy winner of his only point-to-point and set to carry the J P McManus colours, would get the nod.
Purple Shuffle, a trifle unlucky when beaten a head by Vintage Port at Galway, the winner got first run on him, should go well in the Prior Park Service Station Clonmel Handicap Hurdle.
