Si C’etait Vrai worth risking in the conditions
The eight-year-old has an unhappy habit of getting beaten, but three miles plus on heavy ground should be just what the doctor ordered and this represents a good opportunity.
His last outing was at Punchestown, when somehow failing to deliver, after looking sure to score for most of the two and a half mile journey.
The selection, however, was collared before the last by Mullaghanoe River and beaten three parts of a length.
What was encouraging, though, was the manner in which Si C’etati Vrai fought back on the run in and, stepping up another five furlongs in trip, there can be no excuses on this occasion.
Competitive Edge is fancied to give Conor O’Dwyer a welcome turn in the Family Fun Days At Fairyhouse Rated Chase.
He proved no match for Turban, going down by six lengths, in a valuable handicap on this track last time, but that was a smart effort in the context of today’s opposition.
Dessie Hughes’ Indian Icon can provide the solution to the Book On-Line @fairyhouse.ie For Special Offers Maiden Hurdle.
He was no match for Cheltenham aspirant, Ivan Grozny, at Naas, beaten 12 lengths into second, but this is a far easier assignment.
At Punchestown tomorrow, Hughes’ Lieutenant Colonel gets the nap in the Listed INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle.
He created a favourable impression when taking a modest maiden by 14 lengths at Fairyhouse on New Year’s Day and is fancied to build on that.
Arvika Ligeonniere can get back on the winning trail by taking the Grade 2 Boylesports Free Wifi Coming To Our Shops Tied Cottage Chase.
He is almost certainly best travelling right-handed, but even the bare form of his close third to Benefficient and Hidden Cyclone in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown at Christmas entitles him to preference now.
Noel Meade’s Chancol is hard enough to oppose in the Michael Fitzpatrick Memorial Maiden Hurdle.
He was well fancied, contest won by Willie Mullins’ Aklan, at Navan, but fell at the sixth. This shapes as a weak race and Chancol will surely go off at tight odds.
