TUESDAY

ON just his second outing since making it back to back wins at Cheltenham in March 2013 Simonsig could take centre stage on the opening day of the meeting by landing the BoyleSports Champion Chase.

Since he completed an unbeaten novice chase campaign in the Arkle three years ago the dashing grey has been blighted by injury trouble. However, he has at least been able to make one appearance this season which came in a conditions hurdle at Aintree in November when he showed lots of his old zest before losing out to Bobs Worth.

Given that was his first outing for two and a half years Simonsig was more than entitled to fade in the closing stages of that race but his effort there suggested that much of his old ability remains firmly intact. With this in mind it is worth taking a chance on the ten-year-old.

His trainer Nicky Henderson has repeatedly excelled in getting his inmates to overcome various injury tribulations and it is significant that he is letting Simonsig take his chance here.

A hugely deserving winner of the race would be Special Tiara who has been placed in the last two Champion Chases as well as running with notable credit in a host of other high class contests. Remarkably Special Tiara hasn’t won a race in Ireland since September 2012.

Felix Yonger won this race twelve months ago and looked at least as good as ever when overcoming soft ground to win a pair of Grade 2 contests during the winter. An early mistake put paid to his chances in the Champion Chase last time and his two previous efforts are a much better reflection of his abilities. God’s Own, a former course and distance winner at Grade 1 level, warrants respect following his Melling Chase triumph.

Willie Mullins has a host of strong contenders to choose from as he bids to win the Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle for the third year in succession. His entry includes the likes of Yorkhill and Limini but Petit Mouchoir might be the one to strike for the champion trainer.

Last year’s Land Rover bumper winner has just a Thurles maiden hurdle win to his name but he has run several fine races in top company. His third to Long Dog at Christmas was a good effort and he didn’t run at all badly when finishing eighth to Altior in the Supreme Novices Hurdle. However, he then looked to take a major step forward with an excellent neck second to Buveur D’Air at Aintree. That run indicates that this prize could be within his reach.

The Growise Champion Novice Chase could see Grand National hero Rule The World make a quick return to the fray following his amazing triumph at Liverpool. He is among the foremost contenders but instead a chance is taken on Zabana.

His debut victory over fences suggested that he could make an impact at a high level this season and his two runs since then are best forgotten. The ground was just too soft for him at Leopardstown in February and then he unshipped his rider at the start at Cheltenham last time.

The prospect of decent ground will help Zabana and he will be right at home over this trip while he comes here a fresh horse. It is worth recalling that he ran a superb race on reasonable ground at this meeting last year when finishing third to Jezki and Hurricane Fly in the World Series Hurdle.

In the Goffs Land Rover Bumper Gordon Elliott’s Hardline is the choice as he looks to build on a taking point-to-point success at this venue two months ago. Only three went to post that day but Hardline won nicely from a subsequent winner and this Arcadio gelding look a horse of some promise.