Blackstairmountain poised for winning debut over fences
The 151-rated hurdler hasn’t always looked straight-forward, flattering to deceive twice at Fairyhouse, when, admittedly, beaten by the classy Voler la Vedette and Luska Lad.
But the Willie Mullins trained six-year-old, already a five-time winner, is undoubtedly an exciting chasing recruit and, if jumping adequately, should prove a cut above this opposition.
Winner of two bumpers, a flat maiden at Galway and successful twice over hurdles, both at Punchestown, Blackstairmountain was last seen when finishing sixth to star stable-companion Hurricane Fly in the Grade 1 Rabobank Champion Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival.
Prior to that effort, the selection had looked sure to triumph when heading Voler La Vedette at the final flight in a Grade 2 event at Fairyhouse, before idling on the run-in and being outstayed by Colm Murphy’s mare, which made her Grade breakthrough at Fairyhouse last Sunday.
Allee Garde is another exciting Mullins-trained chasing recruit and starts in the new discipline in the Kilsheelan Beginners Chase.
Having failed to win a bumper, Allee Garde opened his account when landing a maiden hurdle impressively at Down Royal before finishing ninth behind Bobs Worth in Cheltenham’s Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle.
He bounced back when beating the more experienced On The Way Out narrowly at Gowran Park and ended his season by finishing fourth to Askanna in a Grade 2 novice event at the Punchestown Festival.
Chasing was always going to be Allee Garde’s game. And, although he’ll undoubtedly need a real test of stamina to fulfil his potential, he should be capable of coping with today’s two and a half miles in this company.
The opening Powerstown 3-Y-0 Maiden Hurdle sees a few interesting types make their jumping debuts. And once-raced French import Ut De Sivola might make a successful debut for Willie Mullins, against the likes of Tobar Na Gaoise and Wakhan.
