3 Grade One races at Fairyhouse

Today´s Fairyhouse card is one of the strongest of the season in Ireland and features 3 Grade One races. All have small fields but are nonetheless highly competitive. The Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at 13.50 CET could go to the smart Galileo´s Choice (Dermot Weld/ Robbie McNamara), whose shrewd trainer considered a crack at the Melbourne Cup with him after his debut victory at Galway. Galileo´s Choice has won twice on the flat since Galway, but did not go to Australia; however Weld is brilliant at handling these dual-purpose performers and he is an exciting prospect. Sous les Cieux /Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) and Il Fenomeno (Noel Meade/ Davy Russell) - who was group class on the flat in France - are obvious dangers.

Three of the 6 runners in the Drinmore Novice Chase at 14.20 run in the colours of Michael O´Leary´s Gigginstown Stud - Bog Warrior (Tony Martin/ Ruby Walsh), First Lieutenant (Mouse Morris/ Davy Russell) and Rivage d´Or (Dessie Hughes/ Paul Townend); they could well dominate the finish, and as Russell is the number one Gigginstown jockey, he looks the one to beat. Paul Nolan´s two runners Alpha Ridge (Paul Carberry) and Shinrock Paddy (Barry Geraghty) must also be considered.

Willie Mullins has 3 of the 5 entries in the Hatton´s Grace Hurdle at 14.50, but Mikael d´Haguenet, a winner here yesterday, is most unlikely to run. Mourad, fourth here last year to brilliant stable companion Hurricane Fly, is clearly the main hope, but he has very little in hand of Voler la Vedette (Colm Murphy/ Andrew Lynch), while The Real Article (Edward O´Grady/ Barry Geraghty) is also in top form and another close finish is probable.

With the ground riding very heavy, the 3 miles 5 furlongs handicap chase at 15.50 will be a real test of stamina. The race looks wide open, but Sang Bleu (Mrs. Gavin/ David Casey), who does not win very often but is consistent, stays well and loves the ground, could be a solid each-way bet.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sam Bass - One Cool Shabra - Burrenbridge Lodge
2. Race: Sous Les Cieux - Il Fenomeno - Galileo`S Choice
3. Race: First Lieutenant - Bog Warrior - Shinrock Paddy
4. Race: Mourad - Voler La Vedette - The Real Article
5. Race: Miss Pepperpot - Cloughmile - Quiet Thought
6. Race: Smoking Aces - Sang Bleu - Hold The Pin
7. Race: Thomas Edison - Starkie - The Boys Dont Know