Neptune can repeat last year’s win
He has come back a much improved horse this season, following a sinus operation, and his performance in the Cheltehham Gold last time speaks for itself.
The seven-year-old made the running on the first circuit, before being headed going out for the final time by eventual winner, Denman.
But Neptune Collonges stuck doggedly to his task all the way, finishing a highly creditable third, seven lengths and a short head behind Denman and Kauto Star.
It’s possible that race may have left it’s mark, but the credit side is that this will only be the selection’s fourth outing of the campaign.
Mossbank, who has only ever won travelling right-handed, is the obvious danger. The eight-year-old has made giant strides this season, emphasising he is very much one for the future when runner-up behind Old Vic in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham.
It is hard to get overly enthusiastic about any of the others. Kicking King, for instance, was desperately disappointing when a remote third behind Ballistraw at Gowran Park in February.
Snowy Morning ran the race of his life when third behind Comply Or Die and King Johns Castle in the Grand National at Aintree, but that was only 18 days ago and this is a big ask.
The Paddy Power Champion Bumper is a cracking contest, bringing together some of the best young horses in the country, as well as one or two interesting ones from across the water.
The nod has to fall on Cousin Vinny, who looked a possible star in the making when beating Corskeagh Royale by three and a half lengths in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham.
Willie Mullins trains Cousin Vinny and he can also supply the answer to the Osberstown Developments Novice Hurdle with Shakervilz.
He seemed to relish three miles when beating much more seasoned rivals at Fairyhouse and may have the legs on Siegemaster, who ran the race of his life at Cheltenham, but has been on the go for a long time.
