Conditions should play to Thunder And Roses’ strengths
He wasn’t the most reliable of sorts as a hurdler, but this was always going to be his game and Thunder And Roses does have two solid efforts over fences under his belt.
The selection made his debut at Down Royal when second behind a more than useful horse in Noel Meade’s Apache Stronghold, over two and a half miles.
He then stepped up to two miles and five furlongs plus at Fairyhouse and wasn’t disgraced in taking third behind Adriana Des Mottes and Rule The World. This three miles, in testing conditons, should play to his strengths.
Those who laid Un de Sceaux at very short odds at Thurles last month will surely be out in force again in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Beginners Chase.
Willie Mullins charge went off at 1-8 and bounded down to the third last with what looked an unassailable lead.
But he fell here, his jumping had been immaculate prior to that, and those silly enough to play at such odds were sunk without trace.
This looks a much better contest, than the one at Thurles, but surely only another mishap can prevent this high-class horse from doing the business.
Thunder Zone, having a first outing for Gordon Elliott, is the choice in the Book Online At Fairyhouse three-year-old Maiden Hurdle.
He didn’t win on the flat for Ger Lyons, but did go well in his three outings and has the size and scope to make a jumper.
We place our faith in Sandra Hughes as well at Thurles tomorrow and her Wrath Of Titans gets the nap in the INH Stallion Owners’ EBF Maiden Hurdle.
He has been frustrating, but this does represent a decent opportunity. The five-year-old was last seen when taking third behind Shaneshill and Keppols Queen at Fairhouse and it’s a race that has been working out.
Shaneshill did have to give best to No More Heroes at Navan last Sunday, but Keppols Queen went on to score at Clonmel, while the fourth, Brandon Hill, won at Exeter on Thursday.
There may be only four due to face the starter in the Exit 6 To The Horse And Jockey Rated Novice Hurdle, but it is tricky.
The vote falls on Kauto Grand Mogol, who ran way below expectations when a poor fourth behind Free Expression in a Grade 2 at Navan.
