Soldier In Milan can give Mullins a pre-Cheltenham boost

In the Willie Mullins-trained C'est Ta Chance and the Andrew Slattery-trained Fleur In The Park, Soldier In Milan faces two talented rivals.

Thu, 05 Mar, 2026 - 07:12

Darren Norris

The Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase is the feature race at Thurles on Thursday and Soldier In Milan can provide Emmet Mullins with a pre-Cheltenham boost by landing what shapes as an intriguing renewal of this Grade Three contest.

In the Willie Mullins-trained C'est Ta Chance and the Andrew Slattery-trained Fleur In The Park, Soldier In Milan faces two talented rivals but he comes here in good heart having got the better of Kiss Will in a beginners’ chase at Punchestown last month.

Before that he shaped encouragingly when a close fourth in a bunch finish at Gowran Park, a race won by C'est Ta Chance.

Going further back, he took the notable scalp of King Rasko Grey in a bumper at last year’s Punchestown festival.

Thursday’s assignment will obviously demand more of Soldier In Milan than his Punchestown win required but he looks a progressive type capable of taking this step up in grade in his stride.

C'est Ta Chance did well to win from an unpromising position at Gowran but might be better over further while Fleur In The Park ought to go close if he replicates his performance when just touched off by Westport Cove in a Punchestown Grade Two last November.

Karamoja can get the afternoon off to the best possible start for punters by winning the opener, Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase, for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.

She does come with risks attached given she ran no sort of a race when sent off the 4-5 favourite at Naas when last seen. However, she’s clearly better than that, evidenced by her third-place finish in a Fairyhouse Grade One last season. The fact Paul Townend has kept the faith is a further plus for her prospects so a much-improved showing can be anticipated. This looks a good opportunity for her to get off the mark.

Mullins can also collect in the bumper where Looking For Eight, who showed showed signs of greenness when second on his Closutton debut at Limerick’s Christmas meeting, can get the better of the Gordon Elliott-trained Thinkitdontjinxit, a horse who also shaped encouragingly on debut when finding one too good at Thurles last month. He may have to settle for minor honours again here.

Darren Norris' picks:

Thurles:

1.58 Karamoja (NB)

2.28 Soldier In Milan (Nap)

2.58 Toor Khov

3.30 Kentucky Beach

4.05 Western Walk

4.38 Lough Nigara

5.13 Looking For Eight

Next best:

1.58 Stormalong

2.28 C'est Ta Chance