Meade can land short-priced Navan double
Sky Hall signposted that his turn would not be long delayed with a cracking effort at Gowran Park and has to get the nod in the Santa Claus Maiden Hurdle.
Indeed, he was mildly unlucky in that contest, failing to get a clear run approaching the last. The selection had to be switched and though rapidly closing down the smart Ninetieth Minute was still a neck adrift at the line.
This test appears much easier. Sky Hall does face 29 rivals, but the emphasis is on quantity rather than quality.
That’s a comment which can also be levelled at the first division of the Roast Turkey Maiden Hurdle and Mick The Man should find the opposition to his liking.
Second is his favourite position at the end of races and such horses have the capacity to send you spinning to the poor horse.
But everything is relative. His runner-up placing to Forpadydeplasterer on this track last time is easily the best form on view. Jack Finch was seventh in that contest and he won with any amount in hand at Downpatrick yesterday.
Willie Mullins’ Knocknabooly is the nap choice in the Whitmores’ Conn Clongriffin Stud Beginners Chase.
A useful hurdler, he took a little while time to warm to his task first time over fences at Punchestown. Knocknabooly was also hampered at a vital stage of procedings, before finishing six lengths second to Notre Pere. This is a weak heat and an adequate round of jumping should be sufficient.
Mullins’ Itsmylife is the one to beat in the Mares’ Bumper. She made a winning debut at Clonmel and impressed with her attitude in what was, admittedly, an ordinary race.
Thurles tomorrow marks the return to action of Ruby Walsh and he can celebrate by teaming up with another Mullins inmate, Cousin Peter, to land the INH Stallion Owners’ EBF Maiden Hurdle.
Cousin Peter is no star, but came home well when third to Scavenger at Gowran Park and is marginally preferred to obvious danger, Burren Ben.
Slash And Burn has been largely disappointing since launched over fences, but could strike in the Horse and Jockey Hotel Handicap Chase.
He has plenty to find with Sportivo, on their running behind Spring Vision here last month, but this brilliant jumper may reverse placings over a trip which is four furlongs shorter.
Best horse on view in Ireland for the weekend is Catch Me and he cannot be opposed in the Horse And Jockey Hotel Hurdle.
He made a smashing reappearance over flights when cruising to a 13 lengths success at Fairyhouse and can take this with the minimum of fuss, on the way to tackling much bigger fish down the line.
