Make it Maucaillou
A remote fourth behind Alqaab on his debut in terrible ground at Navan in early March, the selection signalled his turn may not be long delayed at Fairyhouse over two weeks ago.
Although ultimately outclassed and beaten four lengths into second by the potentially smart Noel Meade-trained South West One, Maucaillou stayed on doggedly in the closing stages. Stepping up another four furlongs in trip now should be just what's required.
It is interesting to note that Ruby Walsh again teams up with the four-year-old, his only ride of the meeting, and then heads for Tipperary.
Eagle's Pass, likely to relish the two and a quarter miles, is the one to beat in the Knockhouse Stud Hurdle.
He battled on bravely when a close third to Farmer Brown and Mill House Girl at Killarney and this looks easier!
Jeux Sont Faits, far from disgraced over course and distance first time up when going under by four lengths to Mamlook, gets the vote in the Irish Stallion Farms' EBF Fillies Maiden.
Third in that particular contest was Aidan O'Brien's Trinidad and he is the choice in the maiden for colts and geldings.
At Tipperary tonight, South West One puts his new-found reputation on the line in the Summer Festival 21st and 22nd July Hurdle. Far too good for Maucaillou at Wexford, he should have the legs on Merveilles, in good form on the level of late.
Your Sum Man, who produced a fine turn of foot to land an ordinary event at Clonmel, may continue on the upgrade in the Bumper.
