Ballymore Novices’

Hurdle

ONE of the most exciting jumpers in training Samcro (Gordon Elliott) heads 98 entries for the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle (98 entries).

The six-year-old has won his first two starts over hurdles, including a Grade 2 contest at Naas, by an aggregate of 27 lengths.

Samcro, who will run over two miles at this weekend’s Leopardstown meeting, also has the option of Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.

Willie Mullins, with four wins in the last 10 years including Faugheen, is well represented again in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle, with Naas Grade 1 victor Next Destination, Duc Des Genievres, Sharjah and Christmas winner Whiskey Sour spearheading his 18 entries.

Course and distance winner On The Blind Side (Nicky Henderson) is the standout British contender judged on his three successes so far this season, the most recent of which saw him defy a penalty impressively in Grade 2 company at Sandown in December. Stablemate Mr Whipped, who has won an Irish point-to-point and three hurdle races, is also in the mix. Harry Fry’s Sandown Christmas winner If The Caps Fits is also engaged. Mind’s Eye (Elliott) and Paloma Blue (Henry de Bromhead) are also Irish-trained entries.

BETTING

6/4 Samcro, 5/1 On The Blind Side, 5/1 Getabird, 7/1 Next Destination, 12/1 Sharjah, 16 Duc Des Genievres,