Alpha Des Obeaux worth chancing against hotpot
Douvan has been very much a talking horse since slamming subsequent winner, Sizing John, by 12 lengths on his Irish debut at Gowran Park and is currently favourite for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.
But two of Mullins’ top novices, Shaneshill and Tell Us More, have been beaten of late and, perhaps, lightning will strike for a third time.
Alpha Des Obeaux is a tough, resolute sort, who would certainly prefer if the trip was further than this two miles.
Indeed, his latest outing saw him chase home another Mullins inmate, Black Hercules, over three miles at Cork.
The ground is sure to be testing, however, and the selection to at least put it up to Douvan is the prediction.
The nap vote falls on Michael Hourigan’s The Crafty Butcher in the two and a half miles Punchestown Rated Hurdle.
He has never looked overly happy as a chaser and it was no surprise when attentions were turned to flights at Navan last time, shaping as if his turn might not be long delayed when fourth, under top weight, behind Pencilhimin in a competitive handicap.
Willie Mullins’ Jarry d’Honneur, a product of France, was far too free first time up in this country when fourth behind Lots Of Memories at Navan and is worth another chance in the Festival Hospitality Beginners Chase.
At Fairyhouse tomorrow, Ted Walsh’s Champagne James gets the nap in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Rated Novice Chase.
He ran with promise when third to Lots Of Memories and Fine Rightly at Navan last month and will relish another three furlongs in trip now.
Feature event is the richly endowed Underwriting Exchange Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase and Sadra Hughes’ Bright New Dawn has to be the choice.
He made a belated, but excellent, seasonal debut when fourth to Twinlight at Leopardstown at Christmas and goes up by 8lbs in the future.
Hostile Fire had Battle Hymn (levels) half a length behind in third, when second to the impressive Theophilus at Leopardstown, and may confirm placings in the Fundraisers @ Fairyhouse Maiden Hurdle.
