1.30 – Neptune Novices Hurdle
JP McManus’ Yanworth has made a splendid impression since jumping hurdles. He has won all four of his starts and he seemed to really appreciate stepping up in trip when winning at Cheltenham in January.
It is hard to pick holes in Yanworth but A TOI PHIL could have his measure. His trainer, Willie Mullins, won this two years ago with Faugheen and A Toi Phil is a rapid improver. He impressed at Leopardstown last time.
Stablemate Yorkhill has won a Grade 1 and could make a bold bid.
2.10 – RSA Chase
This could whittle into a duel between two powerhouse Irish owners, JP McManus and Michael O’Leary. O’Leary’s Gigginstown House Stud won the event 12 months back with Don Poli and has No More Heroes, who is three from three over the larger obstacles.
McManus has MORE OF THAT, who has only suffered defeat once in a pretty light career. He won the Grade 1 World Hurdle at the festival two years ago. He has been almost flawless over fences, winning both starts, and he is four out of four at the Cheltenham venue.
Gigginstown’s Roi Des Francs is of note at a larger price.
2.50 – Coral Cup
This is an exceptionally competitive handicap hurdle. Generally, the British trainers win the race, but Gordon Elliott collected for Ireland in 2011 with Carlito Brigante.
Paul Nicholls supplies an intriguing runner in Politologue, who won his last race by 59 lengths. Consider the Willie Mullins-trained Arbre De Vie, who is open to progress, too.
However, go with DIAMOND KING who has been thriving this season and looks on a good mark under Davy Russell.
3.30 – Queen Mother Champion Chase
Willie Mullins is set to win this race for the first time with UN DE SCEAUX. He won the equivalent race for novices, the Arkle, 12 months ago.
Visually, he tends to be spectacular, setting off at a high speed and jumping with remarkable accuracy, almost (but not quite) touching the top of every fence as he glides over it.
He has the beating of Sire De Grugy (2014 winner) based on their clash at Ascot in January. Previously, Sir De Grugy made a race of it with Sprinter Sacre (2013 winner), and Un De Sceaux was more impressive than Sprinter Sacre.
Last year’s winner, Dodging Bullets, ran poorly on his only outing since.
4.10 – Cross Country Chase
This unique event sees a variety of obstacles being negotiated over just shy of four miles.
Intriguingly, Foxrock has switched from top-level senior chasing to this discipline, a move that took almost everyone by surprise. But he was pulled out late.
Enda Bolger has an excellent record in these races. Josies Orders has taken to the crosscountry circuit like a natural and stablemate QUANTITATIVEEASING likes this test too.
Memorably, he gave the impression that he was set to go very close late on in this 12 months ago, only to be carried off the track, running into a stricken photographer. He could gain compensation.
4.50 – Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
This race was only introduced in 2005. It is a handicap hurdle for four-year-olds.
CAMPEADOR has been popular in the betting and he bids to emulate stablemate Flaxen Flare, winner of the event in 2013 for Elliott.
Campeador won in France and had a big reputation when arriving in Ireland, now owned by JP McManus. He finished fourth at Leopardstown at Christmas on heavy going but he seemed to need the run then and he has been trained for this race since.
Paul Nicholls has already won this race twice and could strike with another ex-French horse, Diego du Charmil, who was reportedly working well before the race.
5.30 – Champion Bumper
This is the race in which Willie Mullins has established himself as the king. He has snared it eight times in the past 20 years and AUGUSTA KATE may be up to the job.
Even though Mullins says her work at home is moderate, she seems to come alive at the races, winning both her outings with ease. Her mother, Feathard Lady, was a classy hurdler and never lost in a sparkling career.
At a big price, Pride Of Lecale might outrun his odds. He is improving and has speed and stamina.
Compadre, who runs in the colours of John Magnier’s Coolmore, won his only start and has class.
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