NOEL MEADE
BONNY KATE
7yo ch m (6333PP-)
Beneficial - Peppardstown
Mrs Patricia Hunt
She ran well in the Troytown last year but her form tapered off towards the end of the season. She seems to be much happier in herself at the moment and I can see her running another big race in this year’s renewal. I am very pleased with her build-up and she should be competitive once again.
SNOW FALCON
7yo b g NH (11F32538-) F (1020)
Presenting - Flocon De Neige
Mrs Patricia Hunt
I hate to say too much about it, but he has schooled exceptionally well over fences and we are delighted with him. I suppose I am just that bit cautious as he wasn’t ever foot perfect over hurdles. However, he seems a totally different horse over fences and could be one for the better novice chases if he can translate his homework to the track.
RED JACK
4yo b g (11-)
Mahler - Hollygrove Bonnie
John P McManus
He didn’t have an ideal preparation prior to winning at Fairyhouse, so I am confident that there is more to come. Despite having had an easy time due to a foot infection, he still won easily in the manner of a nice horse. Although he may need further in time, he isn’t short of toe so should be competitive in two-mile hurdles this season.
DISKO
11yo gr g (6133131-)
Martaline - Nikos Royale
Gigginstown House Stud
He runs in the Grade 2 chase at Down Royal on Saturday where he should be capable of going very well. We had the option of going for the Champion Chase but have Road To Respect for that one. The fact we were even considering him for that other race shows just how highly we regard the horse. He has already won two Grade 1s and staying appears to be his forte. He is ready to run so hopefully he can show what he can do.
DAVY RUSSELL
MALA BEACH
9yo b g (F22FP/2)
Beneficial - Peppardstown
C Jones
He ran well at Galway last time on his first start of the season. A good solid stayer who loves heavy ground, he would look an ideal horse for the Troytown. Gordon [Elliott] is sure to have a few for the race but he would be a good one.
DEATH DUTY
6yo b g (1111U3-11)
Shantou - Midnight Gift
Gigginstown House Stud
Really progressed from his first to second start over fences and looks to be going the right way.
Having said that, he needs to continue that progression, as racing in this country is so competitive. The timing of Fairyhouse really suits him and he should run a big race in the Drinmore Novices Chase.
A real high-class horse in the making.
PRESENTING PERCY
6yo b g (741154116-1)
Sir Percy - Hunca Munca
Philip J Reynolds
A lovely horse – I really like him. He was a 159 hurdler last season and jumps fences so well. He is a joy to ride and has taken to chasing straight away. His jumping was of the highest order at Galway last time and he really attacked the hill. He is versatile trip-wise so will have plenty of options.
KEITH DONOGHUE
SAMCRO
5yo ch g (1/111-1)
Germany - Dun Dun
Gigginstown House Stud
Has the potential to be very good and is certainly right up with Don Cossack at this stage of his career. He doesn’t pull or get worked up at home and nothing in the yard can get him off the bridle.
At this stage he could be anything – a seriously exciting horse.
RAPID ESCAPE
4yo ch g (15-)
Doyen - Kenzie
Gigginstown House Stud
Gordon [Elliott] has his best bunch of bumper horses ever this season and this lad is useful. He is a gorgeous horse; one I really like. Goes to Down Royal for a bumper on Saturday and should be very hard to beat.
SEAN FLANAGAN
ROAD TO RESPECT
6yo ch g (01432211-1)
Gamut - Lora Lady
Gigginstown House Stud
Although he was relatively fit the last day, he is sure to come on from the run and will be sharper for that experience. He jumped left at Punchestown so that must be a slight concern going into the weekend [Champion Chase – Down Royal]. However, that being said, he must go there with a huge chance.
ROBBIE POWER
OUR DUKE
7yo b g (1121-)
Oscar - Good Thyne Jenny
Cooper Family Syndicate
He runs in the Champion Chase on Saturday and is as fit as we can get him without a race. Goes there in great form as he hasn’t missed a beat since coming back into training. Already a Grade 1 winner over fences, he needs to step up again taking on more experienced horses.
CASTLEBROOK
4yo b g (12-)
Alan Potts-owned gelding who runs in a maiden hurdle at Cork on Sunday. He should be capable of going close but may just find the trip slightly on the short side. Whatever he does here, he is one to keep in mind in the longer term as he has the making of a really nice horse.