Locally-trained Ex Patriot might reward each-way support in the €100,000 Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase in Gowran Park.
It’s the County Kilkenny track’s biggest meeting of the season.
And, just four days after the Ballyhale Shamrocks’ All-Ireland Final heroics, the village of Ballyhale could be set for further celebrations if Ex Patriot, trained by Ellmarie Holden for her father Paul, can land the Thyestes.
A second season novice, Ex Patriot has triumphed twice over fences, including the Shamrock Handicap Chase (Grade B) on this track last March.
In his early excursions over fences, he shaped with promise behind Grade 1 performers A Plus Tard and Cilaos Emery (at this meeting last year).
And he has performed creditably in graded novice company, finishing a solid third behind subsequent Grade 1 winner Battleoverdoyen and 150-rated Any Second Now in the Florida Pearl at Punchestown in November.
Last time, he was beaten less than five lengths when fourth to Oldgrangewood in a competitive handicap in Cheltenham.
Although he has yet to prove his ability to stay this extended trip in testing ground, Ex Patriot appeals as an each-way investment in a tough race as his rider Derek O’Connor bids to become the first amateur to win the Thyestes since Niall Madden (on Numbersixval- verde) in 2005.
Both Willie Mullins, who has won the race seven times, and Gordon Elliott, successful with Monbeg Notorious (runs again) in 2018, will both saddle six of the eighteen runners.
Stable-jockey Paul Townend will be on board Mullins-trained top-weight Acapella Bourgeois, runner-up to Gold Cup winner and stable-companion Al Boum Photo at Tramore on New Year’s Day, when receiving 11lb from the winner.
Another to note from the Closutton challenge is Robbie Power’s mount Chef Des Obeaux, an eye-catching fifth behind Roaring Bull in the Paddy Power at Leopardstown.
The Bull, up 7lb for his last-ditch defeat of Fitzhenry, leads Elliott’s team, which also includes Galway Plate victor Borice, last seen when unplaced in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury in November.
Another to note is Joseph O’Brien’s novice Smoking Gun, successful at Punchestown on New Years Eve and sure to relish this test of stamina.
Meanwhile, the cast of top mares Apple’s Jade and Benie Des Dieux in the Grade 2 John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle threaten to overshadow today’s Gowran Park feature event.
An 11 time winner at Grade 1 level, Apple’s Jade, above, bounced back to her best when bolting up at Leopardstown over Christmas, slamming Unowhatimeanharry by 17 lengths.
With a fitness edge, and Davy Russell on board for the first time since
winning at Leopardstown’s 2017 Christmas meeting, Apple’s Jade will be tough to beat.
But marginal preference is for Benie, a real favourite of mine, having her first run since winning the French Champion Hurdle last May and, if close to peak fitness, is capable of toppling the Elliott mare.
And Willie Mullins provides Gowran Park’s banker bet today, Aione, the mount of Rachael Blackmore and bidding to build on his hurdling debut second to Home By The Sea at Fairyhouse, in the RED Mills Ladies Auction maiden Hurdle.
Peter O'Hehir's tips for Gowran Park
12.45. Our Roxane
1.20. Aione (nap)
1.50. Benie Des Dieux
2.25. Eleazar Des Neiges
3.00. Ex Patriot
3.35. Capuccimix
4.10. Homme D’un Soir
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