Jagoes Mills can jump to it
Entry is free, should the meeting pass an inspection at 7.30am, with the forecast of overnight frost a concern.
The best horse in the novice chase is surely Whatuthink, but he is not a natural jumper of fences and that is a major worry.
He fell in a Grade 1 on this track and his technique again left him down last time at Leopardstown, in another Grade 1, when finishing a remote sixth behind Pandorama.
Whatuthink ran really well for most of the three miles, but blundered badly two out and that was that.
He is then passed over in favour of Jagoes Mills, who has had more than his fair share training problems, but arrives now on the back of two decent efforts.
At Navan, returning following a long break, he ran a cracker to take third behind Roberto Goldback and Cousin Vinny.
The selection’s latest outing saw him land a moderate event at Thurles with plenty to spare by eight lengths.
He travelled beautifully through the contest and his jumping, for the most part, could not be faulted.
Apt Approach, runner-up behind Roberto Goldback at Leopardstown, and Becauseicouldntsee also have a life, but Jagoes Mills will almost certainly give us a big run.
On a particularly tricky programme, Tony Martin’s Saddlers Storm gets the nod in the Irish Racing Post Handicap Chase.
A thorough stayer, the eight-year-old strolled to victory by 18 lengths at Fairyhouse last time and the handicapper could not be accused of over-reacting, raising Saddlers Storm by 13lbs.
The frustrating Colleoni might finally enjoy a turn in the Irish Racing Post Maiden Hurdle.
He dead-heated with Kakagh at Thurles, but deservedly lost the race in the stewards’ room. Colleoni is not to the fully trusted, but may be worth chancing in a weak affair.
