Holly Tree to appreciate drop in class
Dusty Sheehy's seven-year-old has improved throughout the season, producing his best effort in a Grade 2 on this track earlier in the month. An easy winner at Limerick previously, Holly Tree showed he continues on the upgrade with a highly creditable third behind shock 50-1 winner, Orbit O'Gold, and De Valira, in what was a very well contested event.
The hat-trick seeking Wins Now, who gained smooth successes at Navan and Cork, is rated the biggest danger.
Livingstonebramble, far better known as a chaser, has a leading chance in the International Pavilion At The Festival Hurdle.
Given a couple of spins over flights this campaign, the veteran showed he is far from a back number when three and a half lengths second behind stable companion, Homer Wells, in the Thyestes at Gowran.
The first division of the Festival Hospitality Maiden Hurdle is probably best left to Ted Walsh's Paramount. He made his first start in this country, and over jumps, when beaten three parts of a length by Max Almighty at Naas ten days ago. It was disconcerting to note Paramount swished his tail when the pressure was applied, but the credit side is that this does look a very weak race.
Colm Murphy's Barcardero, four lengths runner-up to Good Thing at Fairyhouse in January, can take the second section of the same heat.
The 135-rated Powerstation comes out easily the best horse at the weights in the Book Your Festival Tickets Novice Hurdle.
But he was desperately disappointing when failing to cope with Far From Trouble at Down Royal and preference is for Druids Castle. Joe Crowley's gelding had plenty on when finishing only tenth in the three mile handicap won by Contessa Messina at Punchestown, but prior to that was far too good for Judge Deed over two miles and three at Naas.
