Finger Onthe Pulse faces easier task
Tom Taaffe’s charge went off a strong favourite then, but could only manage third behind surprise winner, Schindlers Hunt, and Kilcrea Castle.
He is entitled to come on plenty, however, considering it was his first outing since early November when a remote second behind Noland at Down Royal.
It is never ideal when a horse turns out again after such a short break, but Taaffe has obviously reasoned this is too good an opportunity to miss and it is certainly a far easier task than the one Finger Onthe Pulse faced at Leopardstown.
The Heineken W T O’Grady Memorial Hurdle, a tricky affair, may be best left to ìn-form Dessie Hughes’ Flag Of Honour.
An ordinary sort on the level, he has at least shown himself to already be far better at this game.
The selection was hampered and unseated rider at the second at Leopardstown last time, but previously was impressive when coasting to a seven lengths success at Fairyhouse.
The betting for the Cashel Maiden Hurdle should prove informative, focusing particularly on Willie Mullins’ Uimihiraceathair.
The dual bumper winner is a smart jumper in the making, but this is a somewhat belated seasonal debut, so the market may prove all important.
In any case preference is for Fosters Cross, clearly no star, but who gets an 8lbs maiden allowance and will be partnered by useful 5lbs claimer, Emmett Mullins.
Fosters Cross is progressing, producing his best effort to date when third to Kimberlite King and Fier Destrier at Navan last month.
The nap vote falls on My Lord Oscar in the www.thurlesraces.ie Handicap Chase. Having a first run for Enda Bolger, he landed a gamble in style at Limerick at Christmas and is fancied to defy a 10lbs hike in the weights.
