Zeb can turn in big run
The vote has to go to Big Zeb, successful in the two-mile Champion Chase at Cheltenham in March, who has produced two smooth performances this season.
At Navan in November he beat Golden Silver cosily and was again too strong for that horse at Leopardstown at Christmas, scoring by a length and three parts.
It will be fascinating to note the display of Sizing Eupope, also a Cheltenham hero in March, landing the Arkle Trophy.
Connections have clearly toyed with the notion of making him a Gold Cup horse and he wasn’t disgraced over three miles at Down Royal when four lengths runner-up behind Kauto Star. He now takes a dramatic drop in trip.
In any case Big Zeb has virtually become bombproof of late and can land this, on his way to a date with destiny and Master Minded at Cheltenham.
Willie Mullins’ progressive Gagewell Flyer can concede weight all round in the Grade 2 Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle.
He made all of the running to win his maiden over two miles at Navan and then stepped up to two and a half in style with another all-the-way succes in a Grade 2 at Naas.
Gagewell Flyer may very well be better suited by further than today’s journey, but is a determined customer and the opposition is ordinary.
Rocco’s Halls, deprived by ballot of an outing in the Thyestes at Gowran Park yesterday, could pop up in the Association Of Irish Racehorse Owners’ Grand National Trial Handicap Chase.
He parted company with Andrew McNamara at the last when upsides eventual winner Droim Toll on this track last time.
Prior to that the selection had given an exhibition of jumping and is now 8lbs better in with Droim Toll, with Patrick Mangan taking a further 5lbs off.
Killultagh Queen gets the nap, in the New Tote Daily Double Beginners Chase, on what is a very poor card at Fairyhouse this afternoon.
A no more than useful mare over hurdles, she promises to be a lot better at this game. Indeed, the selection jumped superbly on her debut at Cork, until David Casey and herself went their separate ways at the third last.
At the time Killultagh Queen was set to finish a remote second behind stable companion, Morning Supreme, and will strip a lot fitter on this occasion.
Only Alaivan and Carlito Brigante are set to do duty in the Corporate Hospitality At Fairyhouse Hurdle. The handicapper says they should dead-heat, as they are both rated 140. Carlito Brigante destroyed Alaivan to the tune of 11 lengths at Leopardstown in December of 2009, but a lot of water has flown under the bridge since then.
Preference is for Alaivan, who seems to be in better shape right now, having coasted away from Son Amix at Naas in November.
