All Star can set record straight
Jessica Harrington's high-class five-year-old contested the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle and looked the likely winner approaching the final flight. He stumbled badly at the back of the obstacle, however, completely losing his action. Muirhead quickly took advantage and was a length and three parts clear of Cork All Star at the line.
That was a decent effort on the part of the selection, considering the ground was particularly heavy and that was very much against him. No matter what the weather does overnight, the surface is going to be far better and Cork All Star gets the nap in a cracking contest.
The Grade 1 Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase is another smasher, bringing together the likes of In Compliance, Mansony and Nickname.
In Compliance is passed over on the basis this is his first outing of the campaign and the trip is on the short side.
Nickname is dismissed because he is at his best in testing conditions, it's possible he won't run anyway, so the nod falls on Arthur Moore's Mansony.
A major improver last season, he made a promising return when runner-up to The Listener at Punchestown over a trip, two and a half miles, which was in excess of his best.
Oscar Looby should relish the two and a half miles of the Paddy Power Christmas Bumper and is the one to beat. It was only at the end of two miles that he began to motor when third to Lucky Wish at Navan last month.
Chateau D'eau, bogged down in bad ground when a remote fourth to Muirhead and Cork All Star at Fairyhouse, will find the padddypowerpoker.com Maiden Hurdle a lot easier.
O'Muircheartaigh, who struck form when scoring at Punchestown, is no more than a token choice in the 30-runner wide-open Paddy Power Handicap Chase.
