Side with Siegemaster
A really slick jumper, he has come into his own since given a test of stamina, with cut in the ground. A creditable third to subsequent winner Glenrock Leader at Punchestown, the selection made no mistake next time.
At Fairyhouse 19 days ago, he led throughout when beating Good Fella and that runner-up boosted the form, going in at Fairyhouse on Tuesday.
Behind in fourth spot in Siegemaster’s Fairyhouse race was Ellas Cavallo, beaten 12 lengths, and he reopposes on exactly the same terms.
Ellas Cavallo has since scored on this track, proving too good for this week’s Tramore winner, Burren Ben. Christy Roche’s gelding is clearly on the upgrade, but one doubts his ability to bridge the gap on Siegemaster.
Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins hold a very strong hand and the duo have prospects of a treble, starting with Alexander Taipan in the Phil Sweeney Memorial Chase.
He warmed up for this with a clear-cut success over flights at Limerick and can cut down trail-blazing Gemini Lucy.
Dani California represents the Walsh-Mullins team in the Heineken W T O’Grady Memorial Hurdle and is difficult to oppose. She finished third to Right Or Wrong and Beau Michael, successful at Leopardstown last week, at Fairyhouse and that gives her a definite edge against these rivals.
The third Walsh-Mullins possibility is Cooldine in the Cashel Maiden Hurdle, although his two efforts so far over jumps, at Cork and Limerick, have been quite disappointing. A more than useful bumper horse, he is worth another chance, in what appears to be a particularly weak contest.
