Mullins looks poised for a field day
Mullins’ Immediate Response is the nap choice in the Tote Trifecta Rollover Handicap Hurdle, having bolted in by six and a half lengths at Clonmel a week ago.
That was the nine-year-olds first run for the trainer and his first for exactly two years and 100 days, but he stripped fresh and well to justify 6-4 favouritism.
The selection competes here under a mandatory 4lbs penalty, but goes up by 17lbs in the future and there is every chance will improve again for another six furlongs in trip.
Clashnabrook, who scored with plenty in hand at Fairyhouse on Saturday, rates the obvious danger.
It is no surprise he makes a quick reappearance as well, because Eoghan O’Grady’s charge faces a 10lbs rise in the weights in the future.
Mullins’ Raptor, who performed way below par when a remote fifth of five to Medical Card at Naas, gets the vote in the Tote Placepot Races 1 to 6 Chase.
He is a far better horse than that any may need to go right-handed to produce his best, on the basis his two successes to date have come when travelling in that direction.
Gagewell Flyer is a third Mullins selection in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Beginners Chase, even though this is a belated seasonal debut and first pop over fences.
His form tapered off somewhat last campaign, but this represents a gentle introduction to chasing and Gagewell Flyer did win his first three races last season.
Jim Dreaper’s Go All The Way is preferred to Mullins’ Cork bumper winner, Perfect Gentleman, in the INH Stallion Owners’ EBF Maiden Hurdle.
Formerly in the care of both John Kiely and Nigel Twiston-Davies, Go All The Way has strong claims on his fourth to Cheltenian in the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
Mullins has two live ones in Bold Banks and Hammersmith in the thurles.ie Maiden Hurdle, but the nod falls on Eugene O’Sullivan’s Lamb Or Cod, who ran easily his best race to date when chasing home Argocat at Thurles three weeks ago.
