Stone can be master

Davy Russell, denied in controversial circumstances from riding at Aintree this week, can enjoy a measure of compensation by landing a double at Thurles this evening.

He partners Stonemaster for Dessie Hughes in the Easter Time Hurdle and the eight-year-old is the nap choice.

Stonemaster clashed with two of his rivals now, Berties Dream and Catch Me, in the final of the Pertemps Hurdle at Cheltenham last month and that contest surely holds the key to this.

Berties Dream did best of the trio, finishing a creditable fifth behind Holywell, with Stonemaster in eighth and Catch Me taking 13th of the 24 starters.

Stonemaster has three and a quarter lengths to find with Berties Dream on that running, but has every chance of reversing the placings on 5lbs better terms.

As well as that he was having a first outing then since taking third in a competitive handicap at Leopardstown at Christmas and is entitled to come on for the run.

Russell can also guide Toner d’Oudairies to victory in the Beginners Chase.