Foxrock fancied to show staying power in Woodlands
Three miles, in testing conditions, will take some getting on this stiff track and that should be just what the doctor ordered for Ted Walsh’s charge.
He was outclassed in Grade 1 company last time when third behind Carlingford Lough and Morning Assembly at Leopardstown, but that still represents the best piece of form facing into this contest.
In a good race, despite only five runners, Henry de Bromhead’s Sizing Gold looks the main worry.
He made a fine start over fences when beating subsequent winner Mullaghanoe River, at Navan, jumping
and travelling sweetly throughout.
But that was over two and a half miles and it remains to be seen if moving up another four furlongs in trip will play to his strengths.
Rule The World gets a hopeful nod in a tricky looking Grade 3 Limestone Lad Hurdle. He came back to something approaching his best when second to Zaidpour at Leopardstown and may build on that.
Willie Mullins’ Ivan Grozny gets the vote in the Book Hospitality On Line Maiden Hurdle, a heat that should house its fair share of future winners.
The selection, a more than useful sort on the flat in France, made a promising start over jumps when a head second to Aidan O’Brien’s Plinth at Leopardstown at Christmas.
Mullins’ Killultagh Vic, beaten into second by the smart Wounded Warrior at Navan, is nap material in the Bumper.
At Fairyhouse tomorrow the Bumper also supplies the nap choice in Gordon Elliott’s Lord Scoundrel.
He was beaten by Willie Mullins’ Royal Caviar on this track and Noel Meade’s Chancol at Navan and should now be primed to strike.
Elliott’s Hold Em Cowboy can provide the answer to the Ward Union Hunt Gathering Handicap Chase.
The ten-year-old jumped solidly – he hasn’t always done so in the past – when third to Refused A Name and Embracing Change at Punchestown last Saturday and reappears off a mark just 3lbs higher.
Gitane Du Berlais, who showed improved form to score by eight lengths at Aintree, is the choice in the Grade 3 Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle.
