Trip should be ideal for Irish Invader
It could be a lucrative afternoon for the Walsh family, Ruby, Ted and Katie. Ruby has prospects of a double with Irish Invader and Glencove Marina, while Ted and Katie can combine to score with Rebel Chief.
Irish Invader, mildly frustrating, gets the nap to land the Thurles racecourse Maiden Hurdle. When finishing third behind Amstecos at Fairyhouse, the selection appeared to find two miles on the short side.
Willie Mullins then stepped him up to three miles, back at Fairyhouse, in a very competitive handicap.
Irish Invader jumped and travelled like a dream through the contest, but his stamina gave out in the closing stages and he faded to finish sixth behind impressive winner, The Halfway Bar. The two and a half now could prove ideal!
Glencove Marina, also trained by Mullins, appears to face a simple task on his jumping debut in the first section of the C J Sheeran Ltd Maiden Hurdle.
He's clearly had problems and hasn't been seen since winning the second of two bumpers at the Punchestown Festival back in April, but this really is a gentle introduction.
Rebel Chief, who battled on strongly when going under by half a length to Bemo Two at Naas in November, is the one to beat in the Bumper.
Feature event is the valuable Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle, which will see the tough Kazal attempt to win his sixth race in seven outings this season.
His only defeat was when fourth to Aran Concerto at Navan and he again showed all the right qualities on his latest appearance when coping with the 10lbs receiving Callherwhatulike at Naas.
The nagging worry with Kazal is whether two and a half miles on this track will be a sufficient test of stamina for Eoin Griffin's six-year-old.
He has to get the vote, however, with Druids Castle, who did well to beat Powerstation and Oodachee at Punchestown last time, the alternative.
