TONIGHT'S mixed card at Fairyhouse may feature the likes of Epsom Oaks entry Akdariya and a one time vanquisher of Istabraq in Noble Thyne, but for punters concentrating on boosting their pockets probably the most attractive prospect looks to be Gentle Mossy in the Baltrasna Handicap Hurdle.
The conditions of the race look to be stacked in Gentle Mossy's favour, particularly the return to this three mile trip. Last time out at Punchestown, "Doc" O'Connor's mount ran over six furlongs shorter and it was only a lack of acceleration that stopped him holding off The Quads and Fane Path in a decent £12,000 handicap.
Previously over the longer distance, Gentle Mossy had won at Navan and Wexford. The grey won those with varying tactics, being held up at Wexford and making all at Navan, so O'Connor will be able to ride the race that suits him best this evening.
Certainly, those horses above Gentle Mossy in the handicap don't cause any undue fear, and while Deireadh An Sceal and the Sligo winner, Mick Man, are open to improvement, Gentle Mossy looks like starting a worthwhile favourite.
Akdariya is sure to start favourite herself in the Curkeen Rath Maiden, and although her Epsom Oaks entry might be a little ambitious, she should still manage to break her duck this evening.
The Aga Khan's filly carried a formidable reputation through the winter, based on her second to Plaza De Toros on her only run as a juvenile. She was fully expected to win on her reappearance in Gowran's classic trial but was inched out by Buddy Marvel.
That showed up what looks a fundamental lack of finishing pace, but there doesn't appear to be anything of the same calibre to take similar advantage of that here.
In contrast, Noble Thyne might just find himself vulnerable when he makes his first start since Christmas in the Porterstown Hurdle.
Paddy Mull ins's high class bumper performer beat Istabraq by a head when both made their hurdling debuts at Punchestown in November. Istabraq went on to remain unbeaten for the rest of the season, including reversing that form with Noble Thyne next time out. Still, that was very good form on Noble Thyne's part, and if anywhere near his best, he will be difficult to beat.
There must a suspicion, however, that two miles may be too short for Noble Thyne to show his best and there is also factor of his almost six months break from racing.
In the circumstances, Step On Eyre may be the better bet. An easy and impressive winner at the Punchestown festival, Willie Mullins's horse will be race sharp and the booking of Charlie Swan looks significant.
