Racing
Accordion Etoile looks to have everything going for him as he tries for a second success in a row in tomorrow's Tipperary feature, the €70,000 Betdaq.com Hurdle.
The Paul Nolan-trained star began his progress to the top of the hurdling tree with an easy victory last year and the figures suggest he has a similarly straight-forward task this time round.
Finishing just behind Hardy Eustace, Harchibald and Brave Inca in that dramatic Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham confirmed Accordion Etoile's status as one of the best around and the 161 rating he brings here leaves him well clear of the opposition.
Nolan reports his charge in good shape and the quick ground will be ideal so the pot looks good for Accordion Etoile again.
Accordion Etoile will face eight rivals including the Dermot Weld-trained Ansar, winner of last year's Galway Plate, and Charlie Swan's Anno Jubilo.
Those impressed by Horatio Nelson's Newmarket win during the week, and they included some bookmakers who make the Ballydoyle colt favourite for next year's 2,000 Guineas, will be keeping an eye on the maiden as Violani tries to make it third time lucky.
John Murtagh's mount was well backed to beat Horatio Nelson at the Curragh last month but couldn't live with the O'Brien horse even though ultimately he wasn't beaten that far. Violani's experience looks like it might now prove crucial, however, against the newcomers Folk Tune and Dance To The Band.
Halford will be going nowhere in a hurry after Violani's start as he also looks to have a live chance in the bumper with Balakan who gets a lot of weight from the Bellewstown and Gowran winner Crenaun Bridge.
Akram had a bumpy passage in his last race at the Curragh but the John Oxx runner looks to have a fine chance of breaking his duck in the nine-furlong maiden.
Tomorrow's other fixture at Sligo includes the Auction Maiden, won by the smart Lock And Key last year. This time around, Namidiya could be the answer now that she is racing on slightly easier ground.
Maith An Cailin found only Big Money too good on her Navan debut and is likely to be a hot order in the mares bumper.
