Pace poised for big run in Hurdle
Kiely knows what it takes to land this major prize, having saddled Black Queen to score ten years ago.
The selection hasn’t run over flights since finishing a creditable sixth behind Barker in the ultra-competitive Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown way back in January.
As a result he has remained static in the handicap and runs here off exactly the same mark as in the Pierse.
Indian Pace warmed up for this with a spin on the flat at Galway on Monday night. He finished fifth in the GPT behind Majestic Concorde and that should have left him spot-on.
The booking of Paul Townend is an obvious plus, considering he takes a valuable 5lbs off an already attractive weight.
The imposing Lucky Wish, a smart bumper performer, should prove hard to beat in the St James’ Gate Novice Hurdle.
He made a more than satisfactory start over flights at Roscommon, impressing with both his jumping and attitude.
Lucky Wish went to the front over the second last and then drew right away to win by 12 lengths. That was a moderate enough race and a lot more is required now, but he can make the step up in class in style.
Ruby Walsh partners Lucky Wish and can also take the opening Guinness Beginners Chase on Uncle Junior.
The seven-year-old looks easily the best horse in the contest and, granted a relatively trouble-free run, has to be on the premises.
He made a reasonable start over fences behind Corlaan at Killarney and is entitled to come on both for the outing and the experience.
Dreamy Gent, who produced a scintillating display over hurdles at this meeting a year ago, gets the nod in the Guinness Novice Chase.
He won a bad race over fences in a canter at Ballinrobe and was runner-up on the level behind Jane Austen at Killarney last time.
