Ipsos Du Berlais can maintain unbeaten record
His story so far is winning a point-to-point, a bumper and a maiden hurdle and, though this is easily his stiffest test to date, the imposing grey is fancied to come through with flying colours. He stormed up the Galway hill to take a bumper by ten lengths and then made his debut over flights at Down Royal. Ipsos Du Berlais sailed through that test, where his biggest problem in the closing stages was the attentions of a loose horse.
The Down Royal race was certainly a modest one, but there was a swagger and style about the selection which was impressive and he has to get the vote.
Trifolium and King Vuvuzela promise a fascinating rematch in the Cahir Maiden Hurdle, the pair having clashed at Cork last month.
Trifolium finished second then, behind surprise winner Pink Coat, and had his rival over seven lengths adrift in fifth place.
But King Vuvuzela, so impressive when powering clear in a bumper at the Punchestown festival in May, was light in the market that day and buckets of improvement may be forthcoming. Preference, however, is for Trifolium, himself a winner of two bumpers in his native country.
Willie Mullins’ horses are in flying form now and his Aupcharlie will surely go off favourite for the Munster Maiden Hurdle. Third behind Cheltenian in the bumper at Prestbury Park in March, this will be his first outing over jumps and for Mullins.
Obviously he is entitled to the utmost respect but maybe Tom Foley’s Golanbrook will have his measure.
Another who won a bumper at the Punchestown festival, he caught the eye when runner-up behind the talented Mount Benbulben on this track two weeks ago.
