Merveilles a safe bet
Successful on the flat for John Gosden, the selection has displayed plenty of promise in two outings over flights in this country.
He began with a remote sixth behind Deputy Consort at Down Royal, but would have finished a lot closer only for blundering three out.
The selection then ran at Limerick ten days ago and showed he had made rapid progress. In what appeared to be a true-run contest, Merveilles only gave best from the last when beaten two and a half lengths into second spot by Financial Reward.
Dessie Hughes' Chosen Man gets the vote in the two miles and six furlongs plus INH Stallion Owners' EBF Novice Hurdle.
He seemed to show much improved form last time when going under by a length and a quarter to Mr Aussie at Fairyhouse.
One always has to be suspicious about such horses, at least until they do it again, but this does look a bad race.
Willie Mullins' Alexander Taipan is a hopeful selection in the www.thurlesraces.ie Beginners Chase.
When he won a maiden hurdle by 11 lengths at Fairyhouse a year ago, the six-year-old had star of the future written all over him, but subsequently completely lost his way.
This is a gentle enough introduction to chasing and, obviously, Alexander Taipan's travels in the market will be all important.
Another Nation, going well when parting company with Robbie Moran six out in the Cork Grand National won by Penny Hall, can go close in the Templemore Handicap Chase. He was 6lbs out of that handicap.
