Back-to-form Felix can upstage Flemenstar
Off the track since winning the Fortria Chase on this track in November 2013, his first run for Tony Martin, Flemenstar will be racing over his optimum trip, two and a half miles, but is likely to struggle against Willie Mullins’ race-fit charge, a winner over hurdles at Leopardstown last month.
An exciting novice, Flemenstar progressed to win the John Durkan in 2012 and performed with credit in top Grade 1 company. But injury has kept him off the track for almost seventeen months and he might be vulnerable.
In contrast, Felix Yonger, also lightly-raced, proved his well-being when landing a conditions hurdle readily at Leopardstown a month ago, his first outing since pipping the smart Mallowney in the Hilly Way at Cork in December. At his best, Flemenstar would be an automatic choice. But, today, Felix Yonger might have the edge.
The Mullins-trained Jarry D’Honneur, which unseated Tony McCoy at the final fence when well beaten, in the Grade 1 Flogas Novice Chase at Leopardstown last time, has a straight-forward task in the earlier navanracecourse.ie Novice Chase. He impressed when beating Bishops Road and Apache Jack at Punchestown prior to stepping into Grade 1 company and is expected to make all, here.
Ryan Moore has three rides for Aidan O’Brien as the 2015 turf season opens at the Curragh tomorrow and all three have outstanding prospects, Jacobean and the talented but quirky The Warrior in the maidens and Leopardstown maiden winner Easter in the Group 3 Lodge Park Stud Park Express Stakes.
The Tote Irish Lincoln looks typically impossible for punters. But top-weight Stuccodor, 6lb. higher than when landing this race last year, should reward each-way support, with Luke Dempsey claiming a valuable 5lb.
