Thunder can strike for Russell
The Dessie Hughes-trained five-year-old, winner of a bumper in Naas, performed consistently over hurdles last season and, helped by his recent seasonal debut over a shorter trip on this track, should be primed to open his account over timber.
Last season, his form included seconds to Talbot Road (Leopardstown) and Tennis Cap (Cork) and a third placing behind Mala Beach in Leopardstown.
He shaped with plenty of promise when a close fourth to Apache Strongold over two and a half miles at Punchestown two weeks ago.
On that occasion, he finished a nose behind The Job Is Right and is confidently expected to reverse that form over this longer trip, with first-time cheekpieces fitted and with improvement expected in terms of fitness — Michael Hourigan’s charge was having his second run of the season, having chased home Monday’s Galway winner Mireya at Listowel.
Henry de Bromhead’s Too Scoops should prove tough to beat — on his second chase start — in the Book New Years Eve Panoramic Restaurant Beginners Chase.
A dual-winner over hurdles, the Alderbrook gelding had just been headed by Art Of Logistics when crashing at the second last on his chasing debut in Gowran Park.
Art Of Logistics franked the form when winning the Grade 3 Buck House Novice Hurdle at Punchestown while runner-up Balnaslow triumphed at Thurles last Thursday.
Prior to his fall, Too Scoops had jumped soundly and, assuming his confidence has not been damaged, he should land the spoils.
The mares bumper has attracted only five runners, but looks a fascinating contest. In what might develop into a tactical affair, the John Kiely-trained four-year-old Toe The Line, which picked up well to beat subsequent winner No Cash Flow on her debut in Listowel, might prove best.
