Le Coudray’s class should see him through this test
He returned from a near three years absence at Cork less than two weeks ago and was the medium of some decent wagers.
Making his debut over fences, Le Coudray’s jumping was sound, but he guessed at the penultimate obstacle and paid the ultimate penalty, leaving the challenging Just In Debt in for an easy success.
The eight-year-old was a smashing staying hurdler and there’s no doubt this two miles is well short of his best.
But an educated guess is that Barry Geraghty will make plenty use of Christy Roche’s gelding and Le Coudray’s undoubted class can pull him through!
Native Upmanship heads off on the long road to Cheltenham with a simple assignment in the Woodlands Park 100 Poplar Square ’Chase.
Arthur Moore’s ultra-consistent charge enjoyed a terrific time last season, finishing second in the two mile Champion ‘Chase, to Flagship Uberalles, at Prestbury Park, before landing the Martell Melling ’Chase at Aintree.
He has over two stone in hand of these rivals and surely only a totally uncharacteristic fall can prevent Conor O’Dwyer’s mount from making the best possible start.
Willie Mullins’ Arch Stanton is a hopeful choice to win the Ardmore Blood Booster Hurdle.
He came good at the back-end of the flat campaign, when the ground turned soft. The son of Lahib took a maiden at Clonmel and finished with a creditable second to Golden Cross in a Leopardstown handicap.
Feature event at Clonmel tomorrow is a fascinating Grade Two Morris Oil ’Chase, with the vote falling on Alcapone.
He certainly isn’t suited by the conditions of the contest and would be much better off in a handicap. The credit side, however, is that he comes here on the back of a decent effort at Navan last time.
Mouse Morris’ imate made every yard of the running to slam Arctic Copper and Fadoudal Du Cochet in fine style.
None of his four rivals can be dismissed. Moscow Express, though, continues to be plagued by indifferent jumping, Sackville completely lost his way last season and Cregg House finds little off the bridle.
Beef Or Salmon is the dark horse. A hugely promising talent, this does seem to be a big ask on his debut over fences!
Rockspring Hero, now that he returns to handicap company, can supply the answer to the Morris Oil Unleaded Petrol Hurdle.
He’s had a rear-view of the smart Satco Express, both at Punchestown and Cork, but performed well on both occasions and went up just 7lbs for those efforts.
Be My Belle should take plenty beating in the EBF Mares Beginners ‘Chase. She was easily the best of these over flights, winning four times last season.
