Billy121only

NOBLE YEATS has always had an interesting Itinerary and trainer Emmett Mullins is to be credited for that. Should his 9-y-o regain his crown today, accolades will break new ground. As with my other selection, Panda Boy, I really like the fact that Noble Yeats has been given a hurdling preparation. That does not mean he has had it easy and to finish a head either side of the now retired Paisley Park takes guts. This horse seems to have been around forever but is still relatively young and I fancy he will once again come alive ahead of this challenge. Regrettably perhaps, the bigger Irish yards are throwing loads of runners at this that appear to have slim hope and so with ‘only’ 33-rivals, surely this warrior can finish in the first six at least.

PANDA BOY stands out for me and with the requisite good fortune, the 8-y-o looks set for a huge run. Trainer Martin Brassil looks to have given his 8-y-o the ideal preparation to my thinking. After a slog in the Irish National last spring, this horse has contested a 2-mile chase, a 3-mile chase over Christmas (2/27) and then a 3-mile hurdle. For me, that is intelligent and I am not keen to lump on horses that have been slogging all winter and then been to Cheltenham. The horse has fine credentials regardless. After winning on his bumper debut 3-years ago at 33/1, the horse did not spend too long over hurdles and chasing hasn't seen him turn prolific. That said, he clearly has big days in him over staying trips and, well, I just feel this is the best bet among the 34.

FINE MARGIN looks really interesting here for Willie Mullins. Related to a decent sort, the 7-y-o started life with a small yard that have not had a winner in the last 5-years. Predictably showed much improved form on his first run for his new yard when second at Haydock last November. Ran badly at the Dublin racing festival but went off at 6/1 that day and that can be labelled too bad to be true. Returning here off a perfect 10-week break and so is really fresh and surely is on a very good mark, if he brings his form.

RED RISK is not well handicapped, as his trainer states, and that may prevent him winning. However, with extended places on offer, he makes some each-way appeal. Really capable on his day, the 9-y-o won't mind the improving ground and a few things will help. Freddie Gingell's claim is one and the addition of first time cheek pieces is always something which can improve a horse. I also like the fact that he missed Cheltenham and so is another fresh contender. From those that do come here from the festival, Black Bamboo makes the most appeal and is certainly worth including.

PARTY VIBES has been notably progressive going hurdling after two points and Henry Daly's mare is fancied to go well again today. Two comfortable wins in mares' novices saw her go into a large-field handicap at Newbury as one of the most fancied contenders. Still bang there when bought down at the last and as along as that has not left a mark confidence-wise, she should run a big race from the front under Alice Stevens. Irish raider Your Honor may be badly handicapped but still warrants a mention at a triple-figure price on the exchange.

TED HASTINGS represents the top Irish stable of Godon Elliott and could be over-priced. Regularly mixes flat and hurdles efforts and also mixes good and bad efforts, in roughly equal measure. On Boxing Day at this very track, he ran a good second and if he can back that up, the 8-y-o surely has prospects. Jockey Danny Gilligan has plenty of experience and that counts for plenty in these races.

THE EDGAR WALLACE has done nothing wrong since a wind operation over the summer and looks to be a chaser with plenty more to offer. This will be quite the change from the small fields he has been contesting and like always, the horse will need to take to these fences mentally and physically. Trainer Kim Bailey schools them well and in terms of value, I think this one tick the box. Stamina would be a small question but against that, the lightly-raced 9-y-o's style of racing should suit and hopefully he can stay out of trouble.

SPRINGWELL BAY did not honour his right to contest the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham last month and so comes here nice and fresh. After just three handicap runs, all over further, I believe the selection has scope to improve a while yet. Jonjo O'Neil is masterful at preparing one for a big handicap and whilst this trip will be sharp enough, I can definitely see this 7-y-o staying on nicely and finishing in the frame.

Colin Tizzard took this race 11-years ago with an exposed sort and for my money, TRIPLE TRADE has prospects for the same team this year. Not an immediate success, the now 8-y-o has won 4 of his last 8 and typically, he races close enough and pounces late. That tactic is likely to work as well as any here with a strong pace assured and his excess stamina will do no harm (winner at 2m4f). Soft ground is a slight question overall but he has a successs on heavy and so at the price, he looks a credible outsider at least.

INTELLOTTO has been making hay in lesser company and to be truthful, did not shine when upped to Grade 1 company, seeing Kargese 9-lengths ahead at the Leopardstown line in February. Comes here relatively fresh though and in a race where a few could underwhelm, I see him outrunning his odds. Thought to want better ground although his last two wins were on heavy so should handle conditions.