Tharawaat a Christmas cracker for punters
He has made giant strides in three outings over flights and this relentless galloper is likely to ask plenty of questions of his rivals a fair way from home.
He made a promising, if modest, start when beaten half a length into second by the moderate The Fist Of God at Down Royal in October.
The Alhaarth gelding stepped up on that next time when taking an ordinary maiden by 23 lengths at Navan and then graduated to Grade 3 company for his latest appearance at Fairyhouse.
Tharawaat could hardly have been more impressive, making most of the running to beat Drunken Sailor by 12 lengths.
Lethal Weapon, who has won both his races over hurdles in smooth fashion, rates the main danger.
Paul Nicholls’ Tatenen is a fascinating challenger for the other Grade 1 on the programme, the Durkan New Homes Novice Chase.
He is already a relatively short-priced favourite for the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham in March, having enjoyed facile successes at Aintree and Cheltenham of late. Because he is only a four-year-old, Tatenen gets a whopping 11lbs from all of his rivals, so his prospects are obvious.
He is very highly regarded and could be the real deal, but the facts are that he has met nothing of note over fences thus far.
In any case, Tatenen looks certain to go off at cramped odds and, perhaps, Cooldine each-way might prove a value alternative.
Of course the trip is on the short side, but there is going to be loads of pace in the race with a number of horses, including Tatenen, wanting to race near the front. Stamina is sure to play a big part and none of the contestants is better equipped in that department than Cooldine.
Willie Mullins trains Cooldine and his Cousin Vinny is hard to oppose in the Durkan New Homes Maiden Hurdle.
The only horse to ever win the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festival bumpers, the selection was third behind Hurricane Fly and Donnas Palm first time over jumps in a Grade 1 at Fairyhouse.
At Limerick on Friday, Mullins’ Quiscover Fontaine can provide the answer to the Sporting Limerick Hurdle.
He showed great battling qualities to take his maiden at Gowran Park earlier in the month and can be expected to improve a bundle for the experience.
