Discorama might have the edge over Milan Native when Cheltenham Festival form is put to the test in the Ryans Cleaning Chase in Galway today.
Trained by Paul Nolan, the seven-year-old –narrowly beaten by Le Breuil in the 2019 National Hunt Chase – hasn’t been seen since finishing third to The Conditional in the Ultima in March.
But his form includes a second to Delta Work in a Grade 1 novice at Punchestown. And although 3lb ‘wrong’ with Milan Native (winner of the Kim Muir at Cheltenham last time) at the weights, Bryan Cooper’s mount gets the vote.
Gordon Elliott has plenty of chances, notably with Ragnar Lodbrok in the opening Claddagh Maiden Hurdle and chasing debutant Thatsy in the MansionBet Beginners Chase.
In Navan, Donnacha O’Brien, whose Shale is on target for the Fillies Mile at Newmarket on Friday, might land the NavanRacecourse.ie 2-Y-0 Maiden with the once-raced colt Emporio.
A handsome son of Zoffany, he was noted making late headway to finish second to Sziget on his debut in Naas and, sure to improve, might prove too strong for Laelaps.
Similarly, the Ger Lyons-trained Alarm Call, unlucky and eye-catching when fourth to Keeper Of Time on his first start in Naas, appeals in the opening Arkle Bar Median Auction 2-Y-0 Maiden.
The Oasis Dream filly might boost Colin Keane’s title bid (he’s currently two ahead of Shane Foley) on a day when he also has obvious claims on Abogados and Day Dreamin in the handicap action.
And Conor O’Dwyer’s Pulsating, a course and distance winner, beaten a half-length by Treble Cone in Cork last week, should go close in the fillies handicap.
Peter O’Hehir's tips for Galway
1.55.Ragnar Lodbrok
2.27.Paranoid
3.02.Ruaille Buaille
3.37.Yeat’s Encore
4.10.Discorama
4.45.Thatsy
5.15.Mr Diablo
5.45.Coach Carter
Next Best
1.55.Rosgalme
2.27.Morga
3.02.Arthurian Fame
3.37.Working Capitol
4.10.Milan Native
4.45.Ilikedwayurthinkin
5.15.Thecraicisninety
5.45.Skol
Double : Ragnar Lodbrok and Paranoid.
O’Hehir’s Longshot : Red Lemonade (2.27.)
Peter O’Hehir's tips for Navan
2.05.Alarm Call
2.40.Abogados
3.15.Teddy Boy
3.50.Miacomet
4.20.Emporio (Nap)
4.55.Pulsating
5.25.Ben Alexander
5.55.Day Dreamin’
Next Best
2.05.Colfer Kay
2.40.Viv Vance
3.15.Pretty Smart
3.50.Tide Of Time
4.20.Laelaps
4.55.Fearless Girl
5.25.The Lady’s Bid
5.55.Newgirlintown
Double : Alarm Call and Emporio.
O’Hehir’s Longshot : Clueless Hill (5.55.)
