Defy Logic can make winning start over fences
The Paul Nolan-trained Defy Logic looks a stand-out bet in the Weatherbys Ireland GSB Beginners Chase at the County Kildare venue while Gordon Elliott's Don Cossack should prove a cut above his rivals in the W.B.Gavin & Co. Beginners Chase in Ballybrit.
Both horses have always looked embryo chasers and the strength of their novice hurdle form is reflected in their efforts when chasing home the very talented mare Annie Power in a Grade 2 event at Naas in February.
Defy Logic was last seen when when narrowly beaten by Mala Beach at Fairyhouse in March. A headstrong individual, he wears a hood and is expected to bowl along in front and make all today.
Meanwhilee, with Davy Russell on duty in Naas, Andrew Lynch will be on board Don Cossack in Galway, when his chief rival should be Noel Meade's long-absent Corbally Ghost.
A winner of three bumpers and successful on his hurdling bow at Navan, Don Cossack subsequently proved a bit disappointing. He fell when held by Pont Alexandre at Navan and was beaten by Mozoltov in Punchestown before filling third spot behind Annie Power and Defy Logic at Naas. The six-year-old has reportedly schooled very well and is a confident choice.
The Mouse Morris-trained Rule The World, runner-up to The New One in the Neptune at the Cheltenham festival, will be the centre of attention when he makes his seasonal debut in the Hospitality At Naas Racecourse Hurdle.
Impressive in the Slaney Hurdle over course and distance - when he slammed Minsk and Champagne Fever - it looked as if Rule The World's career was over when pulled up, with a fractured pelvis, in the Grade 1, won by Jezki, at the Punchestown Festival.
That injury must be a concern today. But he is reportedly in fine fettle and, if close to his best, should get the better of race-fit Captain Arceus and On His Own, better known as a chaser.
* Paul Carberry is unlikely to be back in racecourse action after injury until around a month’s time
The jump jockey has been sidelined since the end of April due to a shoulder injury which required surgery in July.
He is riding out again and his sister Nina, who is assistant to trainer Noel Meade for whom he is stable jockey, explained he was not rushing his return.
“It will be another four weeks or so before Paul is back. He’s still very weak and it’s taking time. He’s back riding out for both Noel and Gordon (Elliott),” she said.
Another of Meade’s riders, Davy Condon, is set to be on out for about three months after fracturing his left tibia in a fall at Cork a week ago.
