Fine chance for Bridge to get off the mark
Certainly, he is far from a rock-solid nap choice, but Tom Taaffe's charge does look up to winning a little contest such as this.
He went off a well-backed favourite at Punchestown in February, but ran into one of the best handicapped horses in the country at the time, Tony Martin's Royal County Star, and was beaten four lengths.
He then tackled maiden company at Gowran Park, but again failed to deliver, going down by four and a half lengths to Far More Serious. There is absolutely no doubt that represents moderate form, but on a day when likely wagers are thin on the ground he gets the nod.
Michael O'Brien's lightly-raced The Green Hat may emerge best in the three mile Ballybin Maiden Hurdle.
The former winning pointer hasn't been seen since early February when beaten two and a half lengths and a length and a half into third behind Mercuric and Derrykeel.
The six-year-old has more scope for improvement than Derrykeel and is fancied to reverse the placings.
Major Stampi, a fair way down the pecking order at Noel Meade's, one would imagine, could be good enough to land the Bumper.
He performed well enough when beaten by Talktothetail at Thurles last time and stepping up another two furlongs in trip now should be a help.
Meade's Gli Gli, fourth behind Cheeky Lady at Thurles, following a long break, looks the answer to the Ratoath Mares Chase.
