Arbor can reign supreme in stamina sapper
The selection has been largely disappointing and a lot more was surely expected of him after he had won a bumper at Leopardstown at the first time of asking.
But he has appeared woefully short of pace, so it is no real surprise that connections believe his future lies in these stamina-sapping contests.
Arbor Supreme did, however, produce a solid enough performance last time in the three and a half mile Grand National Trial at Punchestown.
He finished seven lengths second behind Chelsea Harbour and has to be fancied to run another big race, off a mark just 3lbs higher.
Willie Mullins trains Arbor Supreme and can also provide the solution to the Bumper with the progressive Captain Conflict.
The five-year-old was beaten six lengths by Quartetto (rec. 17lbs) at Down Royal earlier in the month and should be well suited by the anticipated good ground.
Pat Fahy’s horses are out of form, but it is still difficult to oppose My Valley in the Morning Star Belfast EBF Mares Novice Hurdle.
She is different class to this opposition and only if performing way below par can you envisage her meeting defeat.
My Valley has been rested since cutting little ice in the Grade 1 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, won by Muirhead, at Fairyhouse in early December.
The heavy surface was all against her then and previously Fahy’s charge scored in fine style at Galway and was a creditable six lengths second to the smart Megans Joy at Down Royal.
