Uncle Junior can finally get off mark over fences
Willie Mullins’ chargdidn’t see a racecourse until he was six, but has won two bumpers and three races over hurdles while always looking likely to make a solid staying chaser.
The Saddler’s Hall gelding has run three times over fences, most recently running Wise Old Owl to a length and quarter at Listowel, form boosted by the subsequent exploits of his conqueror, runner-up, off 130, in a Galway handicap last time.
Chief concern about Uncle Junior’s prospects is the trip, two and quarter miles, well short of his optimum. But, in testing ground and in the expectation that Paul Townend will make plenty of use of him, he should triumph, at the likely expense of the Dessie Hughes-trained Western Charmer.
The opening Glen Steeplechase affords the Edward O’Grady-trained Catch Me an opportunity to bounce back from a disappointing run in the recent Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
But we’ll take a chance with Paul Nolan's seasonal debutant Clan Tara, despite an 11 months absence, since winning his ‘beginners’ at Fairyhouse last December.
This Kayf Tara gelding produced his best effort over fences when beaten a head by classy Pandorama on his seasonal debut at Punchestown more than a year ago.
Although the form of some of Nolan’s string is a concern, Clan Tara is suggested as a sporting alternative to Catch Me and Apt Approach.
Willie Mullins and Paul Townend also have obvious prospects with Sivota, despite top weight, in the Rock Of Cashel Hurdle.
A progressive sort last season, Sivota scored at Navan in September before finishing third behind Askanna and his stable-companion Sweet My Lord in a recent Punchestown handicap.
Townend’s mount, officially rated 134, might return to winning form here, although conceding 4lb. to impressive Leopardstown maiden winner Rick, not seen since being pulled up at Thurles in February.
