Altiepix poised to get off the mark over flights
That mildly disappointing performance came in a winners’ bumper at Leopardstown at Christmas, finishing well-beaten behind the smart Dermot Weld-trained Vigil.
Prior to Leopardstown, the selection did land a modest bumper at Tramore, but it is his only outing thus far over flights that was the most promising display so far.
At Punchestown in the middle of November, Altiepix attempted to make all-of-the-running, but was outgunned in the straight and eventually beaten eight and a half lengths into second by Alpha Des Obeaux. That was a smart effort and certainly there is nothing remotely in Alpha Des Obeaux’s league today.
Bryan Cooper partners Altiepix and can also guide Thunder And Roses to success in the Book Your Easter Festival Tickets Today Beginners Chase.
Thunder And Roses produced two good runs over fences, at Down Royal and here, before returning to Fairyhouse last month.
The seven-year-old was holding every chance then until falling two out, race won by Val De Ferbet, and the second, Noble Emperor, has scored in the meantime.
Charles Byrnes’ Aiyana, a three-time winner on the flat for Hughie Morrison, gets the nod in the Online Discounts @fairyhouse.ie Mares’ Maiden Hurdle.
Very much a stayer in England for Morrison, she caught the eye on her second outing in this country when sixth behind the hot pot, My Hometown, at Limerick.
You’d imagine that stepping up an extra four furlongs in trip now can only work in her favour!
