All eyes will be on the brilliant Envoi Allen who makes his latest appearance in tomorrow’s Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle.
The last Grade 1 of the busy post Christmas period has brought together some interesting types but it is still hard to look past Gordon Elliott’s representative.
He was a top class sort in bumpers and he has further enhanced his reputation with his two efforts so far this season.
On his comeback he won a decent maiden hurdle at Down Royal with plenty to spare and there was plenty to like about last month’s triumph in the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
Envoi Allen was given a good test by Abacadabras at Fairyhouse but the minute he looked to be in trouble he found another gear. There is now a strong chance that the six-year-old will improve further as he steps up to two and a half miles for the first time.
The biggest threat to the favourite is likely to come from the lightly raced Elixir D’ainay who defeated Longhouse Poet in a maiden at this track.
This lightly raced Willie Mullins definitely has more to give and he looks like a horse with graded race potential.
On an interesting day’s racing one of the most eagerly awaited contests will be the two mile novice chase.
This sees the classy Tornado Flyer drop down in class after winning a Grade 3 at Navan last time and he sets a good standard on that form.
However, Dunvegan might spring a mild surprise for Pat Fahy and Jack Kennedy after recently opening his account over fences at Punchestown.
This gelding never scaled the heights that he looked likely to after winning a good maiden hurdle first time out last season.
However, he remains a horse of potential and he might be able to turn over the favourite who is likely to be more comfortable over longer.
In the opening beginners chase the Willie Mullins-trained Good Thyne Tara should take a good deal of beating.
She will enjoy the drying ground and she can be expected to come forward from her chasing debut at Thurles where she chased home Sinoria.
At her best Good Thyne Tara was a very smart hurdler, she was good enough to be placed at Cheltenham last season, and she looks too strong for Caravation.
Elsewhere, Pencilfulloflead could be the answer to the maiden hurdle following two good runs in bumpers.
He didn’t get the best of runs when it mattered last time and can be rated better than the bare form of that fourth to Uhtred at Navan.
Tips
12.50. Good Thyne Tara
1.20. Dunvegan
1.50. Everlastingpromise
2.20. Envoi Allen (Nap)
2.50. Pencilfulloflead
3.20. Fox Le Bel
3.50. Galileo Dance
Next Best
12.50. Caravation
1.20. Tornado Flyer
1.50. Allardyce
2.20. Elixir D’ainay
2.50. Asterion Forlonge
3.20. Something Sweet
3.50 Hardwired
Double: Everlastingpromise and Envoi Allen
O’Hehir’s Longshot: McAlpine (3.20)
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