War Of Attrition set for hat-trick
The Mouse Morris trained six-year-old had a slightly disappointing novice campaign, failing to deliver when favourite at Cheltenham and Aintree before signing off on a high when beating Watson Lake in a Grade I chase at Punchestown in April.
War of Attrition has certainly justified a lofty home reputation in his two starts this season, however.
After defeating Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kicking King on his reappearance at Punchestown in October, War of Attrition followed up by beating Rathgar Beau in the Clonmel Oil Chase last month.
War Of Attrition can continue on his upward curve here.
Mounthenry is napped to land the opening INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle.
A dual course and distance winner, Charles Byrne’s five-year-old was tackling stronger opposition than he meets here when third behind Iktitaf and O’Muircheartaigh in the Grade I Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse last weekend.
Solerina, who gained a thrilling Hatton’s Grace Hurdle hat-trick last weekend, makes a quick reappearance in the Giltspur Scientific Tara Hurdle at Navan today and has to get the vote.
James Bowe’s brilliant mare survived mistakes at the last three flights at Fairyhouse when gamely battling back to touch off Golden Cross.
Connections would have preferred another week between the races but Solerina is clearly at the top of her form and can complete a hat-trick in this particular race as well.
The progressive Saddleeruppat, successful at Punchestown and Fairyhouse by an aggregate of 15 lengths, can complete a hat-trick in the winners’ bumper.
The Grade 2 O’Connell Logistics Hilly Way Chase is the feature at Cork tomorrow and Rathgar Beau can land the prize for the second year in succession.
The nine-year-old was having his first race since claiming the scalp of Moscow Flyer at Punchestown in April when a close second behind War Of Attrition at Clonmel.
Sure to come on for the outing, Rathgar Beau can again account for Central House who finished seven lengths behind him 12 months ago.
The Dessie Hughes trained Central House stepped up on his seasonal bow when third at Galway by beating Moscow Flyer at Navan last time, but, with the latter clearly not at his best, it might be unwise to read too much into the form.
Whatever the fate of Central House, Hughes can collect with Justpourit in the O’Connell Transport Cork Stayers Novice Hurdle.
A good third behind Forty Licks and Travino over two miles and three at Naas, Justpourit opened his account at Navan last month and should be suited by the step up in trip.
