Pomme Tiepy poised for National glory
Hopefully, the rain arrives in time and top weight, Notre Pere, will remain in the race. Should Jim Dreaper decide to take him out, however, then there will be a 7lbs rise all round.
It really is a ridiculous situation.
Essentially, in the event of Notre Pere missing the assignment, you are talking about a different contest entirely and much of one’s thinking and analysis becomes almost irrelevant.
For instance, you can make an argument of sorts for Wichita Lineman, should his jumping hold up, off 11-0. If asked to hump 11-7 however then he may as well stay at home!
Likewise, you’d imagine Enda Bolger will be fancying the chances of Garde Champetre with 10-6, but 10-13 very much diminishes his prospects.
In any case the best equipped to land this prize, no matter what happens, is Pomme Tiepy.
Ruby Walsh has promised he won’t put up more than 2lbs overweight and, in the event of a rise in the weights, she will still be nicely in with 10-5.
The six-year-old was one of the best novices in the country last season and has her handicap mark protected by the shrewd Wille Mullins throughout the campaign.
The selection has clearly been laid out for the race, rested since taking fourth over flights behind Head Of The Posse at Punchestown in February.
There are, of course, numerous dangers, headed by the likes of Emma Jane, Royal County Star and Garde Champetre, depending on how the race finally shapes up, but, granted luck in running, expect a big performance from Pomme Tiepy.
Mullins’ Serpentaria is hard to oppose in the Keelings’ Irish Strawberry Hurdle.
She goes from strength to strength, scoring in fine style at Leopardstown and Cork, and her front-running tactics are likely to have these in trouble a fair way from home.
Mullins also has possibilities with Taipan’s Way, impressive at Limerick last time, in the William Fry Novice Handicap Chase.
