Leopardstown previewAndrew McNamara enjoyed a vintage Day One of the Leopardstown Christmas festival and Day Three may not be too shabby for the in-form jockey either as he comes in for the ride on Callherwhatulike in the €100,000 Grade One novice chase.
Robert Tyner's mare is one of a dozen runners for the Knight Frank Ganly Walters Novice Chase and could end up representing a touch of value in an open contest.
The fact that Tyner isn't hesitating to step her up to this level is a hint in itself as the west Cork-based trainer has enjoyed big-race success at Leopardstown in the past including Spring The Que's impressive victory in last January's Pierse Hurdle and a Paddy Power win with Call Me Dara.
McNamara's treble on Wednesday proves that the Limerick rider is at the top of his form and anyone who witnessed Callherwhatulike's 20-length demolition of her opposition at Clonmel certainly won't question her business being in the race.
That came on heavy ground, on which she had good form in novice hurdles last season, but Callherwhatulike also proved she can go on a better surface when runner-up to Le Toscan on her chasing debut at Cork.
That versatility could be important this afternoon as some of these appear to relish really testing conditions.
Notre Pere's defeat of Knocknabooly at Punchestown earlier this month has been boosted since by the runner-up and there was also a lot to like about his second to Notable d'Estruval, going well when falling at Limerick on Wednesday, at Fairyhouse.
Drunken Disorderly was running a decent race in the Drinmore when exiting but like Notre Pere and Charlie Yardbird, he too might relish even softer conditions.
It could be a good day for the fairer sex as Sweet Kiln looks to hold a major chance in the Grade Two Woodies Christmas Hurdle where the Michael Bowe mare faces two former winners in Rosaker (2005) and Emotional Moment (2004.) Sweet Kiln has a clear shout on figures on the back of a narrow defeat in the Hatton's Grace and a three-quarter length second to Jazz Messenger in the Tara Hurdle on her last start. She was done for finishing speed that day by a possible Champion Hurdle contender but faces nothing with that kind of toe this time.
As an Irish Cesarewitch winner, Sandymount Earl would justify some interest in the two-mile handicap hurdle anyway. However, since he is owned by the Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, there will be even more focus on the four-year-old's return to jumping.
Three runs over hurdles in the autumn of last year weren't particularly inspiring but they do give Sandymount Earl a mark of 109 which looks appealing in the light of his flat exploits this year.
Agamard is a dangerous opponent based on a good win at Thurles last Sunday which has resulted in a 6lb hike. However, Sandymount Earl could just edge it.
Another horse returning to the National Hunt game is Kevkat who had four bumper starts in 2005 and 2006 but who since then has managed to mature into a talented flat performer with a win at Dundalk's all-weather off a mark of 96 to his credit.
Total Excitement has some illustrious footsteps to follow in the Tom Cooper yard, especially since her name brings to mind the ill-fated Cheltenham bumper winner Total Enjoyment. However she does bring the experience of a Cork run last April to today's bumper and could be worth checking.
