Macbride can overcome absence to take opener
The six-year-old is one of that burgeoning group of runners to have won three bumpers, and made his hurdling debut at Thurles back in January, finishing fifth behind I’m All You Need.
He hasn’t been seen since, which is a minor worry, but this doesn’t look the most exacting of tests for his return. His bumper form ties in with some very smart hurdlers, most notably his success at Cork, when he had Most Peculiar and Hash Brown behind.
The ground should not be too testing, which will suit, and if he’s ready for his return, he’ll take a world of beating.
Powder Hound earned a mark of 121 over hurdles, but hasn’t been seen since July of last year. He’s likely to need the run, but must be respected, while Hungers Call looks the most interesting of the remainder.
Smart hurdler Sub Lieutenant can make a winning start over fences in the two-mile-three-furlong beginners’ chase.
Trained by Sandra Hughes, this half-brother to Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Lord Windermere was frustrating in bumpers but improved over timber and can be expected to be even better in this sphere.
He won three times over hurdles, including a Grade 2,, and earned a mark of 140. That sets the standard here and he can be expected to surpass it in time.
It is encouraging that stable-companion Wrath Of Titans made a successful chasing debut on his return this week, and this classy performer can be expected to follow suit. In what should prove an informative race for the season ahead, Killer Miller and Bony Kate are feared most.
There are two meetings tomorrow, and high-class hurdler Kitten Rock can also make a successful start over the larger obstacles when he lines up for the Crystalski.ie EBF Beginners’ Chase at Navan.
Eddie O’Grady’s gelding began last term winning a Grade 3 hurdle and followed up with three more victories before finishing a fine sixth behind Faugheen in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
It was a smart effort to be beaten less than 10 lengths on the latter occasion, considering his best form is with plenty of cut in the ground.
Tomorrow’s going is unlikely to be as testing as he would like, but the five-year-old has a clear edge in terms of what he has already achieved, and can get back to winning ways. There are numerous promising sorts in opposition, including Blair Perrone and Rogue Trader.
The Grade 2 Tote.com Fortria Chase is the feature, and Hidden Cyclone can land the spoils for trainer Shark Hanlon. The ten-year-old finished a fine fourth behind Quick Jack in the Galway Hurdle on his most recent start and prior to that had made a belated-but-successful debut on the level.
The ten-year-old runs well fresh, has won twice at this course, and is narrowly preferred to Twinlight and Special Tiara.
Robin Thyme will take beating in the bumper. The lack of pace in his most recent race, at Wexford, was not ideal, and he ran very well to be beaten just a head behind the promising Tuzo. A similar effort should be good enough this time.
At Limerick, Round Tower can take the two-mile maiden hurdle for the in-form stable of Karl Thornton. The six-year-old was a faller at Down Royal last time, but his previous efforts over timber suggest a maiden hurdle is well within compass, and he is preferred to Show Court.
