So close to a bonanza yesterday, had two horses that looked home for all money going up the Hill and then…tears. We saddle up one more time! TRIUMPH HURDLE Apolon De Charnie - unseen since being purchased out of France. Ran last at only start in France, then 6L second (at 50/1) to Proactif, one of the market leaders here. The rules have changed to stop hurdling debutants running, could this be Willie's latest way to play with the rules? Berto Ramirez - millions, owners here for the party. Fantasy World - decent Flat rating, similar to Saratoga on Tuesday, but has disappointed at two runs over hurdles - beaten 15L both times in weaker company. Nope. Forty Fifty - another one playing Mullins bingo. Ran fourth behind Macho Man at Auteuil on debut. Probably favourite that day based on the stable. Who knows how good he is? Indian River - has won all three over hurdles on northern tracks, but that form wouldn't even be good enough to run a place in the Fred Winter (a weaker, handicap...
Lining up again after a nice couple of winners yesterday. THURSDAY We change course to the New track today, which might change tactics a little bit. Over the first two days, it's been very much leader/pace-based. This track will have been watered, so expect it to be marginally slower, but the weather forecast today is for strong winds and a little bit of drizzle. No significant rain expected until this evening. The strong winds - gusts of 40-45mph - will be almost head-on in the home straight, not great for front runners. And the configuration of the new track (longer run-in from the final obstacles) also plays on jockeys' minds. MARES NOVICE Prepared to take on the favourite here. Beaten on hurdle debut, and what did she beat last time? Carrigmoornaspruce, Manganese, Bambino Fever, Echoing Silence JACK RICHARDS CHASE Gold Dancer didn't stay three miles in heavy going last time at Navan and drops back to a handicap on much firmer ground. And he drops from Grade 1/2 rac...