Bird can wing in
The seven-year-old was a fine second behind Apt Manor in a bumper at this meeting last year and she showed her most worthwhile form for some time when fifth behind Fearchar in a handicap hurdle at Mallow less than a fortnight ago. The blinkers that were applied for the first time on that occasion will be worn again and, with her ability to handle fast ground, she can be expected to go very close.
Coolharbour Breeze was an easy winner over fences here back in June and, if producing that sort of form back over hurdles, should reach the frame.
Thomond O’Mara’s Princess Tuptin can build on a promising start to life in handicap company by taking the www.thetote.com Handicap. She appeared to appreciate the step up to a mile and a half when second behind easy winner Dearest at Sligo on her most recent outing and looks the type to do better this time.
Sam James takes a valuable five pounds off her back and she is selected to get the better of Key Account, who makes her handicap debut off a workable mark.
Winning pointer Shake The Bucket takes a drop back to two miles for the closing maiden hurdle and can earn a deserved first run inside the rails. Niall Madden’s horse made a pleasing debut over hurdles when third behind High Importance at Bellewstown last month before being sent off favourite for a Naas bumper at the beginning of this month.
He arrived with every chance in the latter race but was unable to pick up well enough to score. His ability to handle fast ground is a real positive and he can get the better of the vastly experienced Esporao.
