Elyaadi set to surprise Voler La Vedette
In theory, Voler La Vedette rates a good thing, having at least 14lbs in hand of all of her rivals and with 15lbs to spare over the selection.
Voler La Vedette is a high-class six-year-old, who rarely runs a bad race and showed just how good she is with a cracking effort when third to Quevega at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
But she is definitely best with plenty of cut in the ground and might just be vulnerable on a surface which has to ride on the quick side.
There are no such worries regarding Elyaadi, who appears to be in rude health right now. She could hardly have been more impressive in a Listowel handicap last month.
John Queally’s charge cruised through that contest and quickened when asked by Niall Madden to beat Macville by an unflattering two and a half lengths.
Macville has since bolted in at Tipperary and Limerick last Sunday, while the fourth, Diyla, has also won in the meantime.
If Voler La Vedette isn’t too inconvenienced by the ground then she will surely win, but Elyaadi is a solid each-way shout against her.
The Mouse Morris-trained First Lieutenant has to be the choice in the 25-ruinner Punchestown Event Centre Maiden Hurdle.
Successful in a point-to-point and a bumper, he is likely to come on a bundle for his fourth behind Oneeightofamile at Navan 18 days ago.
Muirhead, a talented but quirky character, will be at cramped odds to make a winning debut over fences in the Dobbins’ Food Hall Beginners Chase.
Noel Meade’s gelding is not for the faint-hearted, but does have a huge amount in hand of his rivals on hurdles form.
