Prince De Beauchene looks set to complete hat-trick
The Willie Mullins-trained veteran has shown at Thurles and Leopardstown in recent weeks that he retains plenty of his enthusiasm and he might be capable of successfully conceding 7lb. to Adrian Maguire’s charge Two Rockers, a useful performer when trained by Alan King before winning four of his five point-to-point starts for his current handler.
Winner of the Grade 2 Bobbyjo Chase at his prime, in 2012, Prince De Beauchene has looked in great shape this season, winning a point-to-point in Cregg before outclassing inferior rivals in a hunters chase in Thurles.
Last time, he had to knuckle down to get the better of the smart On The Fringe at Leopardstown.
A class act, Prince De Beauchene sets the standard and might be capable of outpointing Two Rockers.
Willie and Patrick Mullins might complete a double with Yorkhill, in the Wylie colours, in the point-to-point bumper.
This Presenting gelding, successful at Tattersalls, is well-regarded and will be expected to make a successful racecourse debut.
Naas will stage the final pre-Cheltenham action tomorrow, when Tony Martin’s Living Next Door, up 12lb for his win in the Paddy Power Chase, will be well-fancied to defy top-weight in the featured Woodlands 100 Club Leinster National.
No match for Very Wood in a Grade Two three-miler at Navan last time, another of Martin’s charges Noble Emperor must have outstanding prospects in the five-runner Naas Directors Plate Novice Chase.
Oliver McKiernan’s 118-rated Golden Boot, out of his depth behind Nichols Canyon in the Grade One Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown last time, drops in class in the Network Ireland Maiden Hurdle and should be tough to beat on his earlier form against the likes of Sub Lieutenant and Rock On The Moor.
