Silence hat-trick on cards
Tom Taaffe’s charge won a moderate beginners chase at Listowel, before moving into handicap company at Punchestown last month.
He made the step up in fine style, battling on dourly in the closing stages to beat A Good Excuse by a length and a half.
The selection was raised 7lbs for that and is taking on better horses now, but is fancied to prove equal to the task.
Earth Magic, a typical Michael Bowe trail-blazer, is the one they all have to beat in the 25-runner Racing Again At Naas 6th January Hurdle.
He seems on good terms with himself right now, on the evidence of his three and a half lengths second to Clew Bay Lodge in a competitive handicap on this track last time.
Montana Bay is difficult to oppose in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Beginners Chase. He was a long way clear of subsequent winner Coolgreaney at Punchestown when departing at the final fence.
Duty, who should be all the better for a recent spin on the flat, can prove a hard nut to crack in the Listed Fishery Lane Hurdle, although his best form over jumps is in testing conditions.
His finest hour came on heavy ground at Fairyhouse in February when slamming two useful horses, J’y Vole and Financial Reward, in a Grade 3.
Duty ran well enough on a sound surface on a couple of occasions when trained by Michael Stoute, however, so that’s reasonably encouraging.
Presenting Thyne, who made a good start when third to Chateau d’Eau, a winner at Down Royal afterwards, at Punchestown can win the Bumper.
Rathmore Castle is a confident nap choice in the INH Stallion Owners’ EBF Maiden Hurdle at Navan tomorrow.
A cracking bumper horse, he enjoyed no luck in running on his debut over flights when third to Cuchulains Son at Punchestown.
Sweet Kiln, well capable of maintaining a swinging end-to-end gallop, can land the Grade 2 Philips Electronics Lismullen Hurdle.
She enjoyed a good campaign last season, rounding off with a creditable second to Essex at Fairyhouse on Irish Grand National day.
Meadow Vale, bogged down on heavy ground on his latest appearance at Galway, gets the nod in the Bar-One Racing For Auction Novice Hurdle.
Major Finnegan would rate a major danger, if he settles, or, alternatively, if allowed bowl along over this two miles.
