Longer trip will favour Freds Benefit
Both horses can be expected to improve plenty for their initial outings of the campaign and Freds Benefit gets the nap in the Porters’ Saddlery Maiden Hurdle.
Winner of a Punchestown bumper by 15 lengths back in February, the lightly-race five-year-old made a good start over jumps at Limerick last month.
He was up front for most of the journey, until fading in the closing stages to finish nine and a half lengths third behind Streetshavenoname.
Freds Benefit jumped really well and stepping up half a mile in trip now can only work in his favour.
Meade’s former successful pointer, Bridge Run, is the danger. He made a good start on the racecourse when easily beating subsequent winner Shuil A Hocht in a Galway bumper in October.
Franklins Trail has a leading chance in the opening Thanks To All Our Sponsors Maiden Hurdle.
He won on the flat at Ballinrobe in 2204 and was returning from a long absence when a promising fourth to De Valira at Fairyhouse nine days ago.
Jack Ingahm is hardly near the best in the Edward O’Grady yard, but should go close in the Race Sponsor Opportunities At Gowran Park 2007 Maiden Hurdle.
Essentially, he has been disappointing, but held out hope of better to come when third to Contess Messina at Thurles last time.
Gabrona, a remote fourth to Footy Facts at Cork, might show his appreciation of a drop in class in the Irish Racing Yearbook Novice Hurdle.
