China can collect
He mixed it with the best novices around last season and seems to have more scope for improvement than any of his six rivals, in a contest which, admittedly, has an open appearance.
The selection ended his campaign at the Punchestown Festival in April with a creditable effort, three lengths runner-up behind Kempes.
Best in at the weights is Glencove Marina, having a first outing for Eoin Griffin and who has 13lbs in hand of China Rock.
But he has had serious injury problems in the past, took two outings to get going last season it is disconcerting that the former Willie Mullins trained gelding has moved yards.
Miss Mitch, a more than useful sort when in the care of Robert Alner, is a fascinating challenger for Pat Fahy, while the mildly enigmatic pair, Coolcashin and Oscar Looby, are also capable of taking a hand.
Charles Byrnes’ Jack Cool is fancied to defy a massive hike in the weights in the Gowran Christmas Party Meeting 10th December Handicap Hurdle.
He bolted in by five lengths at Listowel and was raised 17lbs. Matthew Bowes, in the plate for that opportunity contest, renews the partnership and now takes off a valuable 7lbs.
Tipperary tomorrow houses a cracking card, with the feature being the Grade 2 Friends Of Tipperary Hurdle. This looks a match between Donnas Palm and Bahrain Storm, with preference for the latter.
Pat Flynn’s charge will enjoy a definite fitness advantage, having had two outings on the flat of late, and a repeat of his excellent second to Overturn in the Galway Hurdle will make him hard to beat.
The durable Ballyadam Brook can complete a spectacular five-timer in the Grade 3 Dolores Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle.
He survived errors at the final three flights when beating subsequent winner, Cass Bligh, by six lengths at Listowel and, hopefully, will now turn in a relatively clean round of jumping.
Takeyoucapoff, who was challenging Ballyadam Brook when losing rider, Robert Power, after the second last at Listowel, and reopposes on a pound better terms, is an obvious worry.
The nap vote falls on Aidan O’Brien’s Obligation in the Athassel House Stud EBF Maiden. He was beaten a length and the same behind Dermot Weld’s highly-regarded newcomer, Dubai Prince and Seville at Gowran Park a week ago and this is easier.
Seville is a stable companion of Obligation’s and is fancied to build on that Gowran Park effort in the the Longfield Stables Race.
Bullock Harbour, who relished the ease in the ground when making all at Listowel, will take passing in the Tipperary Co-Op Hardware And Super Valu Bumper.
