Cillian’s can click
Formerly in the care of Bill Farrell, the five-year-old will also be having a first run over flights and a first for Tony Martin.
He landed his bumper at the fourth attempt, producing a fine display at Fairyhouse on New Year’s Day.
The five-year-old made most of the running, shooting home two and three-quarter length clear of Dermot Weld’s Vigil
That was a particularly smart effort, with Vigil going on to win at Leopardstown, before finishing a highly creditable fifth behind stable companion, Silver Concorde, in the Weatherbys’ Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham festival.
Even accepting Vigil almost certainly made substantial improvement after Fairyhouse that still appears to give Cillian’s Return a definite edge in this class.
Henry de Bromhead has his team in good shape right now and Clonbanan Lad can prove another for him in the Kedrah House Well Chosen Beginners Chase.
The selection has had a break of 139 days, not having been seen since finishing down the field behind Rockyaboya in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown at Christmas.
Clonbanan Lad’s best effort over fences so far came at Punchestown in October, when third to Morning Assembly and Si C’Etait Vrai.
Obviously, his fitness has to be taken on trust, but there is encouragement to be got in the fact the eight-year-old seems to go well fresh.
The veteran Prince Rudi is the choice in the Kilfeacle Stud Portait Gallery Handicap Chase.
Third over hurdles off 131 at Fairyhouse last time, Prince Rudi returns to this game off a mark of 109.
