Homer Wells gets the nod
The six-year-old, successful in a bumper at Punchestown and a length second to the smart Forty Licks at Navan, was a costly failure at Fairyhouse in late February. Backed from 5-4 to corresponding odds-on, Homer Wells proved no match for springer in the market, Monty Mint, going down by four lengths.
He was, however, conceding him 9lbs and the form has been boosted in the meantime by the victories of third placed My Native Lad and Ballintue Road, who finished sixth.
Red Fern, who will be getting plenty weight from the selection, is put forward as the principal danger.
A combination of three miles and being outclassed saw her make little show behind Rosaker at Gowran Park in January.
Previously, though, she landed a moderate maiden hurdle by ten lengths on this track. Red Fern later lost that race, after a prohibited substance was found in her urine sample.
Atlantic Rhapsody, whose favourite finishing position over fences is second, is given a final chance in the Devil’s Bit Beginners Chase.
He really is a most frustrating sort, but this is a weak contest and it’s possible Ted Walsh may have sweetened him up somewhat with two recent spins on the flat!
Johnney Lathey - Barry Geraghty is a significant booking - could provide the answer to the Urlingford Maiden Hurdle.
His half a length second to Windermere at Naas gives him the edge in this company.
