Side with Shay
He is a particularly smart National Hunt performer and has no less than three bumper successes to his credit.
The selection’s latest appearance came in the Grade 1 Paddy Power Champion Bumper at the Punchestown Festival in April, finishing a creditable third behind Hidden Universe and Oilily.
The likes of Dazzle Dancer and Faoileanda have an obvious fitness edge on Tornedo Shay now, but it is well to note that in the two seasons he has raced O’Mara’s gelding has won at the first time of asking on each occasion.
If the somewhat enigmatic Prince Erik puts his best foot forward then he will make short work of the opposition in the Yeats Beginners Chase.
Dermot Weld has rested him since running twice at the Galway Festival in July/August, but the booking of Ruby Walsh would indicate he is more than fancied to finally deliver over fences.
On the Thursday of Galway, Prince Erik was beaten a neck by Chicago Grey, successful at Navan last Saturday, and then three days later fell at the seventh in the contest won by Kilmurry.
His jumping has left plenty to be desired in the past, but these are not the most testing of obstacles and the grey can do the business.
