Try Henro for openers
Riding arrangements in these type of contests, just as in ladies events, are vital and the booking of the talented Matthew Bowes for the selection is a real plus.
Henro Boy is certainly no star, but is now a seasoned 117-rated handicapper and can put his experience to good use.
His latest outing could be best described as no more than satisfactory, finishing sixth behind Arklow Ger in a handicap at Naas ten days ago.
That looks just about good enough to see him land a modest heat and it is well to note that his only success to date came in a bumper on this track.
Henro Boy is trained by Michael O’Hare, who has enjoyed a good campaign with 13 winners on the board.
O’Hare also has possibilities with Arctic Mick in the Peter Meegan Memorial Handicap Hurdle.
He strolled to victory, by ten lengths, at Navan last Friday and competes now under a mandatory 6lbs penalty. Arctic Mick goes up by 19lbs in the future.
Davy Russell makes the long slog north and can be rewarded by partnering Belle Brook to win the Audrey Woods Memorial EBF Mares’ Novice Hurdle.
Belle Brook was a bit disappointing at Clonmel last time, beaten 15 lengths and 8 lengths into third behind Magen’s Star and Stephanie Kate.
The extended two miles was on the short side, however, and Magen’s Star is ultra-smart and Stephanie Kate did win at Fairyhouse last week, although subsequently justifiably losing the race in the stewards’ room.
Prior to Clonmel, over today’s trip, Belle Brook ran Our Girl Salley to three parts of a length at Fairyhouse and a repeat of that effort should be good enough.
Feature event is the Toals Bookmakers Ulster Grand National and a token choice here is Flemensford.
He has won a couple of hurdle races of late, reaching a mark of 110. He runs here off 99, so mightn’t be too far away.
