Solwhit worth following
Charles Byrnes’ four-year-old created a big impression over flights at the Punchestown Festival and looks the type to do well on the flat.
Having only his second outing in this country - he was already successful over hurdles at Enghien - Solwhit was the medium of some decent wagers at Punchestown, finding 5-1 from 8’s.
He certainly didn’t disappoint, sweeping through to strike the front before the last to beat the useful Silverhand by an easy four lengths.
This is a fascinating heat, bringing together other decent sorts in the likes of Munnings and Home Hunter, but Solwhit seems a horse to follow and is the one to beat.
Tony Martin’s Reisk Superman is easily the form horse in the Seamus Weldon Novice Chase, but likes to do most of his work on the bridle and Field Commander may prove too strong for him.
Michael Hourigan’s charge is, admittedly, struggling to hit form and was beaten a long way behind Tranquil Sea at Punchestown on his latest appearance.
Added to that is this will be his debut over fences, whereas Reisk Superman can now be regarded as an experienced handicapper.
Nevertheless, there is little doubt Field Commander is more talented than his rival and, if stripping in the shape that saw him score five times over hurdles last season, can oblige.
Tom Hogan can take the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Median Auction Maiden with the Chevalier gelding, Chevie.
He was a bit disappointing when only third to Leo’s Pride at Naas last time, but may have found the ground a trifle on the soft side.
Chevie is best judged on his display at Dundalk back in October when a three parts of a length runner-up behind King Of Queens in what was a far better contest than this.
