Hill looks set to sweep rivals aside
It would be fair to say the six-year-old hasn’t quite fulfilled earlier promise, but did run well - following a break - at the Punchestown Festival.
Sweeps Hill finished two and a half lengths and a neck third behind Blackstairmountain and Flat Out in a Grade 1 and this is an easier assignment.
Alpine Glade, who would be 10lbs better off in a handicap, but ran a cracker when third to Willie Mullins’ highly-regarded French-import Tarla at Punchestown, is the main danger.
Kiely might also supply the solution to the first division of the Laurels’ Bar Maiden Hurdle with Taking Stock.
Third to Benash at Fairyhouse last time, he has been disappointing, but might improve for a much faster surface!
The second section of the same contest may be best left to Tony Martin’s once-raced Gift Of Dgab.
He was fourth in that Benash contest at Fairyhouse and, perhaps, will come on plenty for the experience.
The hopeful nap vote falls on Liam Burke’s Ordinary Man in the Keg Security Tralee Maiden Hurdle.
He was a failed gamble at Tipperary eleven days ago, trailing in tenth behind False Economy. Prior to that, Ordinary Man looked a horse of some potential at Leopardstown and may be worth another chance, on the basis he will be far better suited stepping up six furlongs in trip, compared to Tipperary.
Powerstation, competing 31lbs below his mark over flights, might be worth an interest in the McSweeney Arms Hotel Handicap Chase.
