1.45 Gowran
Rocky’s Diamond really came of age when he landed this prize last season and with conditions to suit, a chance is taken on Declan Queally’s inmate repeating the dose.
One of the biggest improvers in this division last season, his victory twelve months ago was a culmination of several high profile efforts and he went on to prove he belongs at the top table with a solid run in the Stayers Hurdle afterwards.
Sent chasing this term, things haven’t quite worked out for the six-year-old in that department as of yet and connections decided to take a pause and go back over hurdles at Leipadstown last time out.
Unfortunately, he didn’t take to sporting a visor for the first time and he failed to run anywhere near to his best form but with the headgear dispensed, hopefully he can be much like his former self at a track he loves.
Being 2-2 at the Kenny venue in recent times should count for plenty and he rates the value pick with clouds hanging over many of his opponents here this afternoon.
Rocky’s Diamond – 1pt win@3/1
3.30 Gowran
The fact this meeting had to survive an inspection yesterday tells its own story and, as a result, this valuable prize will become even more of a test than usual for its competitors.
Another thing to mention is this race often goes to a horse who likes to race up with the speed and the one who falls into that bracket is Answer To Kayf.
Terence O’Brien’s inmate proved he had stamina in abundance when landing the Troytown at Navan earlier in the season and due to a setback which prevented from him taking up a previous engagement, he now arrives here fresh.
Looking back at the race from the Meath venue, he was one of the quickest out the gates and soon got into a lovely rhythm until inexplicably losing his place with a slow jump at the final ditch.
However, rallying gamely to the cause, he made up the lost ground in the final half a mile to pull clear of his rivals late on and in the process, he took the scalp of many proven stayers in a quick time.
Hopefully, the 10-year-old can get himself towards the head of affairs here this afternoon and if so, he should hang around and be a big player at the business end.
Answer To Kayf – 1/2pt each-way@15/2 (five places)