Willie Mullins' already impressive Cheltenham quiver has gathered another sharp arrow with Alexander Prize now one of the favourites for the Festival Bumper, and while today's eight-race Thurles programme is unlikely to provide Cheltenham hints, it can emphasise the wellbeing of the Mullins string.
The Co Carlow trainer looks to have reasonable prospects of picking up three races, and with the focus currently on bumpers, Peggy's Lad can be an appropriate winner of the last.
Peggy's Lad has had the one race already when fourth to Aonfocaleile at Fairyhouse last month. Considering Aonfocaleile was the only one to give the ultrasmart Biliverdin any kind of race at Punchestown subsequently, it wasn't a bad effort and Peggy's Lad should have come on for the experience.
The six-year-old ran very freely in the early stages of that first outing and, in the circumstances, did well to last out in the lead until a furlong and a half out. Robbie Walsh takes over in the plate today and a less extravagant performance early in the race should enable Peggy's Lad to overcome a less than awesome looking field.
Heavy going will be no problem to the teak tough Native-Darrig, who is preferred to Total Success in the novices chase.
It may be unwise to take Native-Darrig's defeat of Cockney Lad at Naas last time too much at face value as Cockney Lad was patently not himself. But there is no denying Native-Darrig's substantial ability and he is preferred to Total Success, third to Cockney Lad at Punchestown last time.
Ruby Walsh has been confirmed as the rider of Alexander Prize at Cheltenham and he can join in the Mullins benefit with Really Chuffed in the handicap hurdle.
Really Chuffed was given a big ask at Clonmel on his last appearance when third to the odds-on Snow Dragon. The selection finished 13 lengths behind the winner in third, but the runner-up, Sporadic Missile, has won since and can beat No Avail, trained by Paddy Mullins, and the flat winner Experimental who gets a substantial chunk of weight.
The Barge went into many notebooks at Punchestown 11 days ago when running on well at the finish of a maiden hurdle behind Barda Papa and Caledonian Bridge. The way The Barge ran on that day suggests he should be suited by the extra distance of the second division of the qualified riders maiden hurdle, and while he is likely to start at prohibitive odds he is very difficult to oppose.
The Mullins-trained Fala's Lad will be a popular choice in the first division, but a better value option could be Immediate Action who ran an encouraging race behind Paris Pike at Clonmel and is another who should be more at home over a longer distance.
Native Dara has the beating of Mary's Manna on course and distance form last November and should land the opener, while Jason Titley's mount Doctor Darling can succeed in the three-mile slog of the Beginners Chase.
Michael Kinane and Kieren Fallon shared the limelight in Hong Kong yesterday with a double apiece at the Happy Valley night meeting. Kinane, enjoying his second stint of the season in the Chinese territory, took his overall tally to four by scoring on Dancing Surpass and The Best Winner.
Both wins were gained by narrow margins, with Dancing Surpass scoring by a short head. The Best Winner gained the day by half a length.
Fallon, in unstoppable form since beginning a three-month contract in early December, carried on the good work with Lucky Day and God of Wealth.
