Rely on Public Reaction
Eddie Hales’ seven-year-year-old was plagued by poor technique last season, but certainly jumped a lot better at Punchestown last month.
Contesting a 21-runner handicap, he flew his flights, only giving best to Heronstown from the last when going under by three lengths.
That followed on an excellent reappearance in a two mile flat race at Thurles, where he battled in fine style to beat Impersonator by a head.
Ideally, Public Reaction needs further than two miles over jumps, but with the ground sure to ride at least soft, if not worse, and with the canny Conor O’Dwyer certain to make plenty use of him, he gets the nap.
O’Dwyer can team up with ex-pointer Rockview Lad to land the first division of the Christmas Hospitality At Fairyhouse Maiden Hurdle.
The Beneficial gelding was beaten two and a half lengths into second by College Ace, a recent winner over hurdles across channel, at Liscarroll back in March.
Quel Doun, a very useful juvenile hurdler last year, would be a major worry if stripping fit and well, but does have an absence of 629 days to overcome.
The other two sections of this contest are weak affairs. Get A Few Bob Back has run alright in a couple of bumpers and, with a spin on the level under her belt at Thurles, gets the nod in the second.
Advanced Flyer, eighth behind Veedon Fleece in a decent bumper at Listowel, is the choice in a woeful third division.
