Rupert Lamb the percentage call
He was last seen on this track last month, going off the 6-4 favourite to beat three rivals in a Listed event.
The grey led at the fourth and everything appeared to be going swimmingly as he headed for the fourth last. But then disaster struck, with the selection crashing out at the obstacle, leaving the way clear for Toner D’Oudairies to beat Letter Of Credit.
The eight-year-old has a tendency to take the odd chance at his fences, but is still very much the percentage call.
Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh team up with Rupert Lamb and they may also have the answer to the feature, the Grade 2 Boylesports’ Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle, with Urano.
He was becoming something of a professional loser, until getting off the mark in emphatic fashion when taking a modest maiden by nine lengths a Thurles 52 days ago.
Urano has looked a far better horse since being stepped up in trip and is fancied to beat Gallant Tipp, not disgraced when fifth of six behind Sure Reef in a Grade 2 at Leopardstown last time.
Shesafoxylady is a third possibility for the Mullins-Walsh team in the Killinan Maiden Hurdle.
The six-year-old is a triple bumper winner in a moderate heat, although her ability to handle testing conditions has to be largely taken on trust.
The Tipperary Handicap Hurdle, for lady riders, may well go to Liz Doyle’s Snowell, who scored with plenty in hand at Clonmel a week ago. He runs under a mandatory 6lbs penalty, goes up by 7lbs in the future, and the booking of Jane Mangan is hardly a minus.
