Fairyhouse on Sunday
I tell you what – looking at the card, you’d think that Willie [Mullins] and Paul [Townend] will have some day at Fairyhouse.
El Barra SP should take all the beating in the first race (13:50). He was a good winner of a bumper at the start of the season but wasn’t at the same level on his next start.
He was much better last time, and this looks a good opportunity for him.
Paul rides Breakeven SP in the second race (14:20) for Tommy Mullins. He was a good winner last time and I don’t think he’ll mind either stepping up in trip or the nicer ground.
Echoes In Rain SP has been run in this race (14:50) instead of the Cheltenham Mares Novices’ race. She’s a good horse who put it all together last time – beating Belfast Banter, who went on to win the County Hurdle – so the form is stacking up.
Roseys Hollow SP was disappointing at Cheltenham but was very good on her start before that when she beat a field of top horses.
She probably found Cheltenham too sharp, but she’ll be suited by Fairyhouse. She’s a good horse and I hope she shows it here (15:20).
I’m really looking forward to seeing Gentlemansgame SP. He was a real eye-catcher at the Dublin Racing Festival behind Gaillard Du Mesnil.
He was lovely on his first win under rules and he’s a horse with a real future. He must be showing something at home for him to be running in this (15:50).
Yukon Lil SP comes into this race (16:25) in good form having won recently at Limerick. She’s conceding weight to her rivals, but it’s not the strongest race and she’s good on her day.
Asterion Forlonge SP ran much better at Cheltenham than he had done on a number of starts this season. He travelled really well to finish third behind Chantry House, which is good form.
If he jumps around, he’ll take some stopping (17:00).
Fairyhouse on Monday
Fighting Fit SP must have a good chance under Simon Torrens. He’s in grand form having won his last two races and I think there could be more improvement in him (14:05).
Teahupoo SP is still unbeaten this season. He looks to be above average and this contest doesn’t seem the deepest, so I think he’ll go very well (14:40).
The Bosses Oscar 100/30 ran a corker off top weight in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham. He travelled really well throughout the race and I know they’ve always thought a lot of him.
He’ll have to go close in this (15:50) if he is to be campaigned for the Stayers’ Hurdle next season.
Fakir D’oudairies 5/4 was a good second in the Ryanair behind the impressive Allaho.
He’s consistent, always gives his best and is a savage jumper of a fence. 2m 4f should suit him perfectly, too (16:20).
The Irish Grand National (17:00) looks a belter this year.
I’d love to see Latest Exhibition 11/2 win for Paul Nolan. I’ve always thought this horse is really good, but the big question mark is whether he can give weight to all his rivals.
It’ll be some ask, but it’ll be some performance if he can.
Others to note are Sempo 16/1.
Sempo looks to have been trained for the race and his trainer Joseph O’Brien is a master at getting them right on the big day.
Off You Go was a good winner last time out and is the chosen mount of Mark Walsh, which could be telling.
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