Today's Tips: Montys Meadow can get punters off to a flyer at Punchestown
A useful sort in bumpers and in a short career over hurdles, he caught the eye in defeat behind Pont Alexandre on his chasing debut at Punchestown, earlier this month.
The run suggested he could come into his own over fences, and with improvement expected, he should prove very hard to beat, despite this being a decent race.
Of obvious interest is Pleasant Company, from the Willie Mullins yard. Formerly with David Pipe, last season he had three runs over hurdles for his current stable, being sent off favourite for a handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse’s Easter Festival and twice at the Punchestown Festival.
In defeat on each occasion he ran very well, and is the type to progress this term. However, very testing ground is a concern and thus he may find Montys Meadow - proven on the ground - too good on this occasion.
In the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle the in-form stable of Val O’Brien can hit the mark once again in the shape of recent Clonmel scorer Ice Cool.
The six-year-old was a very easy winner in testing conditions at Powerstown Park last week, looking a winner from a long way out.
Very accomplished in the jumping department and clearly at home on heavy ground, he won with more in hand than the official winning margin would suggest.
Only six pounds higher this afternoon, he looks to have been found another good opportunity.
The only concern is the drop back to two miles, which is likely to be on the sharp side for him.
However, the going should ensure it’s enough of a test to allow the progressive sort come out on top once more.
Although a very frustrating sort, for one of such ability, Texas Jack should take beating in race three, which is his first start over hurdles for more than three years.
Noel Meade’s horse was a decent sort in this sphere, reaching a mark of 135 at one point, but climbed as high as 158 over fences.
His recent form over the larger obstacles is a little less inspiring, but a return to hurdles could bring back some spark.
Receiving weight or running on level terms with officially inferior horses, this looks a gilt-edged opportunity, though a little caution is advised as it’s almost two years since his last victory.
Willie Mullins has two strong candidates in the Grade 2 Dorans Pride Novice Hurdle, and Up For Review can lead home stable companion Nambour.
A smart sort in bumpers, he made a perfect start to his hurdling career when easing away from Space Cadet at Fairyhouse.
Today’s longer trip should prompt further improvement, and his class can shine through.
