Leavethelighton ready to shine for Doyle
Testing conditions and a trip are the requirements for the selection and, though two and a half miles might just be a trifle on the short side, Eoin Doyle’s charge looks the percentage call.
His last two runs have been his best to date and is at the peak of his powers right now.
At Thurles, over two miles and six, he ran the subsequent Gowran Park Thyestes Chase second Los Amigos close, going under by three parts of a length.
The seven-year-old then moved up a furlong in trip at Navan when beaten two and three quarter lengths by the smart Wounded Warrior.
He was fitted with cheekpieces on that occasion and they are again utilised now. You’d imagine plenty of use will be made of Leavethelighton and he is fancied to outstay this opposition.
Witness Of Fashion is the one to beat in the opening St Patrick’s Punter Pack Handicap Chase.
He makes a quick reappearance, having landed a little touch, 14-1 to 7’s, with lots in hand at Fairyhouse last Saturday.
Conor Maxwell’s mount scored going away and travelling another two and a half furlongs should work in his favour. Pat Rooney’s charge returns under a mandatory 4lbs penalty, but goes up by 8lbs in the future.
Katnap has been afforded a decent opportunity in the N.I Hotels Federation Beginners Chase.
He has never won in 14 attempts, 11 in France and three in Ireland, but his close second to Mount Colah at Thurles last time is the best piece of form on view in this contest.
There are some interesting newcomers in the Bumper, headed by Charles Byrnes’ Red House Hill. He gets a hopeful nod, being by Ad Valorem out of that good race-mare, Laetitia.
