Rattan looks poised to get off the mark
The six-year-old English import has been showing steady improvement over flights, producing probably his best effort to date at Clonmel on his latest appearance.
He was beaten five lengths into second spot by Datokepe and that was a smart enough effort, in the context of this test.
Datokepe was far from disgraced in his first venture into handicap company at Fairyhouse on Monday, while Mayo Mystique, third at Clonmel, has since scored at Wexford.
Willie Mullins trains Rattan and the duo can combine to take the Treacys’ Pharmacy Hurdle with Wee Giant.
He hasn’t been seen since failing by half a length to reel in Foildubh at Tramore on December 31, but fitness will hardly be an issue.
Well suited by a quick surface, the heavy ground at Tramore that day did not play to his strengths.
Joe Smooth, who was challenging eventual winner Canaly when blundering badly two out at Gowran Park, could be an improver and is rated the main danger.
Killultagh Queen is a third Townend-Mullins possibility in the Roundfort Stores Beginners Chase and gets the nod.
The seven-year-old is easily the best horse in the contest, but enthusiasm is somewhat tempered by the fact she had a bad experience when falling at the final fence at Clonmel and fast ground is also a worry.
Like The Da, who stepped way up on previous form when coasting to victory at Gowran Park ten days ago, could make light of an 8lbs rise in the weights in the Ba Morley Memorial Handicap Hurdle.
