Grand Partner the choice despite reservations about trip
The selection would certainly prefer further than this two miles, but can get away with it against modest opposition.
He ran a good race, over two and a half, at Punchestown when runner-up behind in-form Cape Glory, prior to dropping down to the minimum trip in a handicap at Kilbeggan.
Grand Partner could only manage fourth behind Indian Icon, who then went on to score at Bellewstown, but that still appears to give Mullins’ charge the edge.
Martin Brassil’s Celestial Prospect is the one to beat in the Dermot Casey Tree Care Hurdle.
He won a competitive three-miler at Gowran Park last time, but because that was a handicap the eight-year-old runs un-penalised here. Going back half a mile in trip should also work in his favour.
At Navan, David Wachman’s Fit For The Job looks the right call in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Median Auction Maiden.
The Lawman gelding made an excellent start when a close third behind Tommy Stack’s well regarded newcomer, Accepted, and Aidan O’Brien’s Cape Clear Island at the Curragh.
Ger Lyons and Colin Keane can continue their fine run with the once-raced Hagler in the Lynn Lodge Stud Maiden.
The son of Teofilo may have only managed sixth of nine behind hot pot Streetcar To Stars at the Curragh two weeks ago, but stayed on reasonably well, shaping as if there was at least a little contest such as this within his compass.
