Progressive Hills can go in again
He is guaranteed to stay this three miles, having won over the distance at Tipperary last time, and that’s a big help.
Dessie Hughes’ charge went off a well-backed 6-4 favourite then and scored in a manner that suggested he was more than capable of going in again.
Confidently handled by Bryan Cooper, the seven-year-old coasted clear going to the final flight to beat the modest Flaming Hymn with plenty in hand.
Willie Mullins’ Passage Vendome has to be rated the principal danger. He is certainly on the upgrade and was impressive when proving far too good for gambled-on Buy Back Bob at Punchestown.
The race was over two miles, however, he has never raced beyond that, so it requires a leap of faith to support him, taking a dramatic rise in trip.
The Tyrrellspass Novice Chase is an excellent contest for the venue, bringing together no less than six horses who were successful last time out.
One of them, Gordon Elliott’s Carlito Brigante, easily the best of these over flights, is given the nod.
He made a solid start over fences at Killarney last month, quickening in style in the straight to beat the subsequent winner, Catcherinscratcher, by seven and a half lengths.
Dazzling Susie, who made a spectacular chasing debut when running her rivals ragged from the front to score by 21 lengths at Clonmel, is a fascinating challenger.
