Home in on Hokey
The seven-year-old was last seen at Leopardstown a week ago when contesting the Paddy Power Chase. Unfortunately, Tony McCoy and himself went their separate ways at the first.
Previously, Oh Be The Hokey performed with credit when fourth behind Jack High in the Troytown Chase at Navan.
It is, however, the selection’s last outing over flights which leads one to believe him well capable of taking this.
It came over course and distance in October when he finished two lengths second behind the very smart Tasman with the useful Lissbonney Project a further four lengths away in third.
Trainer, John Murphy, has prospects of a treble. He can start the ball rolling with Ardyne Bridge in the first division of the Ballyclough Maiden Hurdle.
He lost his rider six from home at Limerick last week in the contest won by Carraig Blue. Before that Ardyne Bridge was three lengths runner-up to Jakers at Thurles and Jakers went on to score at Tramore subsequently.
Shouette looks best for Murphy in the Kanturk Maiden Hurdle. She was also a faller last time, travelling nicely on the heels of the leaders when departing the scene four from home in the race won by Ballyguider Bridge at Thurles.
A third Murphy possibility is Lala Nova, fifth to Almier at Leopardstown, in the opening section of the Glantane Mares Handicap Hurdle.
The second division of the Ballyclough Maiden Hurdle is best left to Dantys Hampshire. He finished a remote fourth behind Royal Paradise at Leopardstown, but this represents a massive drop in class.
Down in grade also is Ray Boy, third to Publican and Dawadari at Navan, and this course winner is the choice in the Bumper.
