Lightly-raced Sports Line can overcome a lengthy absence
The fact he hasn’t been seen for 289 days would ordinarily be a worry, but the manner in which Willie Mullins’ horses are performing greatly reduces such concerns.
The selection appeared to be largely unfancied on his debut in a bumper at Punchestown back in February. Going off at 10-1, he belied the apparent lack of confidence with a smooth success.
Sports Line was immediately launched over flights, contesting a two and a half mile maiden hurdle at Clonmel a few weeks later.
Again easy to back, he was beaten five lengths into second by Top Of The Rock. There was little disgrace in that, however, because Top Of the Rock was in receipt of 15lbs and has since shown himself to be a more than useful sort.
Archiestown, who has loads of ability and should be well suited by this flat two miles, is rated the principal danger.
Mullins can also supply the answer to the Bumper with Quinola Des Obeaux, who created a favourable impression when scoring by seven lengths on his debut at Punchestown.
Only five are set to face the starter in the McCarthy Insurance Group Hurdle, but it still promises a fascinating battle between Head Of The Posse, Baltiman and China Rock.
You can make a solid case for all three, but Head Of The Posse to cut down the other pair in the closing stages is the hopeful prediction.
At Naas tomorrow the exciting Mikael d’Haguenet will be the focus of attention in the Goffs’ Slaney Novice Hurdle.
He won his maiden at Navan with any amount in hand, from subsequent winner Realt Dubh, and then shocked the seemingly unbeatable Pandorama, back at Navan. He has to be a confident choice to complete the hat-trick.
Jayo gets preference over Made In Taipan in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Novice Chase. Made In Taipan has certainly achieved much more over fences, but was disappointing behind Follow The Plan at Leopardstown, where his jumping left a lot to be desired.
Jayo jumps for fun, is clearly on the upgrade and was impressive when scoring in good style at Navan on his latest appearance.
Merchent Paddy, far from a spent force when brought down at the tenth in the contest won by Kilcrea Castle at Punchestown, is fancied to retrieve the losses in the Goffs’ NH Breeze Up 21st Jan Handicap Chase.
