Rely on Roi to land spoils
Gordon Elliott’s charge is on a five-timer and, hopefully, can prove equal to a task that is easily his stiffest of the campaign.
He does seem to be very much on the upgrade, however, with his latest win coming in a Listed event at Tramore on New Year’s Day.
The eight-year-old travelled beautifully through that contest, quickening in style between the final two fences to beat Tranquil Sea, now 3lbs worse in, by seven and a half lengths.
Highest rated in the race is Days Hotel, who is unbeaten in three outings over fences. He returned in rude good health to take another Grade 2 at Cork, over two miles, by six lengths in early December.
This is his first attempt at two and a half miles, though, so it remains to be seen if he will get the trip.
The other to consider is Foildubh, who was conceding Call The Police 7lbs when beaten half a length into second by that horse on this track last time.
The somewhat frustrating Mikael d’Haguenet can get his act together in the W T O’Grady Memorial EBF Novice Chase, after again hitting the deck five out in the race won by Argocat at Limerick at Christmas.
He will be ridden by Ruby Walsh for Willie Mullins and the pair can also team up to score with Tarla and Ballycasey.
Tarla, a faller at the last when sure to score at Cork in December, can set the record straight in the other Grade 2 on the programme, the Fame And Glory And Sans Frontieres Coolmore National Hunt Sires EBF Mares Novice Chase.
Ballycasy, who shaped like a thorough stayer when easily taking a modest two and a half mile maiden at Clonmel, can successfully step up in class in the INH Stallion Owners’ EBF Novice Hurdle.
