Today's Tips: Perfect opportunity for Tell Us More to get off the mark at Gowran Park
The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old looked a potential star when following up his point to point victory with wide-margin successes in a bumper and a maiden hurdle, both of which came at this track.
He was a shade disappointing when touched off by stable companion McKinley in a Grade 1 Novices’ Hurdle on his next start, in January of last year, and made no real impact when an honourable sixth behind Douvan in last season’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
He made his chasing debut on his return, at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting, and ran well to finish third behind Zabana and Blair Perrone. While previous expectation about the trajectory of his career has been tempered, there’s no doubt he is up to winning decent races over fences, and this is a perfect opportunity to get off the mark in this sphere. The obvious danger is Marinero, who also carries the Gigginstown House Stud colours. He was higher rated over hurdles than was Tell Us More, but has been a shade disappointing in two runs over fences, and would prefer quicker ground. He may have to settle for minor honours once more.
Mala Beach can land the Thyestes Chase for Gordon Elliott. Lightly raced over fences, he reached a mark of 148 over hurdles, and gets in here off a 6lb lower mark.
With just five runs to his name over the larger obstacles and plenty of potential for improvement he looks well treated, and today’s trip, track and ground offer no concern as he won the Galmoy Hurdle on this card in 2014.
If the ‘bounce factor’ doesn’t affect Folsom Blue, he should be a big player, also. Mouse Morris’ horse ran a fine race in the Paddy Power Chase, on what was his first outing for more than a year. With natural improvement, he would be hard to keep out of the frame.
The day should prove very profitable for the Willie Mullins yard as Footpad should give the stable a fourth consecutive odds-on victory in the opening juvenile hurdle, and Avenir D’Une Vie will take beating in the bumper.
The latter was a disappointing odds-on favourite when a modest fourth behind the exciting Our Duke on his debut, in November, but left that effort behind with a bloodless victory at Navan a month later. The form of the latter race might not amount to much, but he won in a canter. He has to concede weight to all his rivals, but should prove up to the task.
Alpha Des Obeaux can take the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle for Mouse Morris. A touch disappointing when behind Prince Of Scars last time, when the run of the race may not have suited him, he remains an exciting sort. With Martello Tower having to lumber a Grade 1 penalty for his Albert Bartlett victory at last season’s Cheltenham Festival, Alpha Des Obeaux is in receipt of 7lbs despite being higher rated.
He can earn a long overdue return to winning ways,
