A GREAT VIEW (Denis Cullen) Unlucky not to get closer than a fast finishing sixth in the Pertemps where whacking the second last didn’t help. Still under the radar a bit and should be effective over fences too but does need a trip.
BACARDYS (Willie Mullins) Met all sorts of traffic issues in the Stayers Hurdle and from a handy position in midfield on the inside rail he was shuffled back and was virtually last turning for home.
How wriggled through the crowded field and was back in on the inside when taking a tumble at the last. Had to miss his intended prep run and clearly retains plenty of ability.
EPICURIS (Willie Mullins) Top French flat form, won the Criterium at Saint-Cloud back in the day and was fifth to Golden Horn in the Epsom Derby. After a disappointing start at Limerick he was a distant second at Naas with all sorts of jumping issues. Yet the magic touch of the Mullins team was obvious at Gowran Park where his jumping was transformed and he won despite not liking the very sticky ground. Ignore his high head carriage, he is very genuine and now that he’s got his act together he could go a long way.
MENGLI KHAN (Gordon Elliott) Third in the Supreme Novices on totally unsuitable ground, he has booked his ticket for the Punchestown Festival where he would be a top level contender granted better underfoot conditions.
MITCHOUKA (Gordon Elliott) Badly hampered in the Fred Winter and then clouted the second last and was pulled up. Could bounce back very quickly at the Fairyhouse – a track he loves – Easter Festival.
THREE WISE MEN (Henry de Bromhead) When the ground improves – if it ever will! – we should see big improvement on his reasonable Gowran third to Goulane Chosen. While he hasn’t reached the levels expected yet, that could change very quickly on a drier surface.
PALOMA BLUE (Henry de Bromhead) Third in the Deloitte and fourth in the Supreme Novices, he is just marking time until he goes over fences where he should really thrive. Stepping up in trip would help too.
* Declan’s Irish Racing Service Cheltenham gems included Blue Berry 25/1, Tiger Roll 7/1, Melon 18/1 (placed), Farclas 9/1 and Sire Du Berlais 10/1 (placed).
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