Progressive Pizarro can again hold upper hand
The dual bumper winner produced an excellent display to make a winning debut over flights on this track last month.
That was a competitive Grade Three and was a stiff ask for the five-year-old. But he came through with flying colours, showing a smashing blend of speed and stamina to beat Solerina a cosy two lengths.
Solerina reopposes on exactly the same terms and this splendid mare has since gone on to enjoy facile successes at Thurles and Punchestown.
She is an admirable sort with a delightful attitude but Pizarro, a possible star of the future, is preferred.
If Liss A Paoraigh puts her best foot forward then she is likely to beat Limestone Lad in the Scientific Hurdle.
Certainly, on their form on this course in early November, the mare would hold a clear edge at these weights.
Limestone Lad beat her by two lengths, wasn’t value for much more, and their is now a turn-over of 10lbs in favour of Liss A Paoraigh.
She, however, displayed little enthusiasm last time when beaten 11 lengths into second spot by Limestone Lad (gave 5lbs), also at Navan. James Bowe’s gelding has since won the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse and is the more reliable proposition.
Michael Hourigan hasn’t gone for the easy option with Beef Or Salmon at Cork tomorrow and runs him in the Grade Three O’Connell Transport Hilly Way Chase, in preference to a much easier looking Fermoy Novice Chase.
Beef Or Salmon made stunning debut over fences at Clonmel, easily brushing aside Sackville.
But, at this stage of his career, if he can can give 10lbs to the vastly experienced Fadoudal Du Cochet then he really is a champion in the making.
Fadoudal Du Cochet, winner of the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival in March, made an eye-catching reappearance when third to Alcapone at Navan and gets the nap.
Conor O’Dwyer partners that selection for Arthur Moore and the duo can also take the Fermoy Novice Chase with Jurado Express.
The six-year-old was ordinary over flights, but looked a different horse altogether when making a breathtaking debut over fences at Thurles.
Tough front runner Satco Express faces his toughest test to date in the O’Connell Warehousing Cork Stayers’ Novice Hurdle, but gets the nod to complete a hat-trick.
At Fairyhouse this afternoon Noel Meade’s Rosaker can take the 30-runner Curragha Maiden Hurdle. He is taking a major drop in class, having started with a creditable fifth to Hardy Eustace in the Grade One Royal Bond Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
Be Me Belle, who made cracking start over fences when runner-up behind Youlneverwalkalone at Thurles, will be hard to beat in the Donaghmore Beginners Chase.
