The saga of the Kevin McManus Novice Chase should end with a victory for Promalee at Galway tomorrow.
First of all "abandoned" at Tipperary, then switched to Galway and causing ill-feeling between the Turf Club and the IHA, the two miles and six furlong race has been at, or close to, the centre stage for the past two days. Promalee can keep it there for the right reasons now.
Frances Crowley's runner trotted up on his chasing debut at Listowel and while the opposition was hardly spectacular, he could hardly have won any easier and most importantly his jumping technique looked solid.
It will have to be again tomorrow as this is a fascinatingly competitive event. Foxchapel King won easily at Thurles on his own chasing debut while Nick Dundee looked like doing something similar before getting rid of Norman Williamson at the last fence in Gowran and allowing Inis Cara in. The English raider Gutteridge is an interesting contender also, but Promalee proved his ability to stay and act on the very soft at Aintree last April and is the selection.
It could turn into a very good day indeed for Promalee's rider David Casey, who also looks to have the winning of the Grade 3 Bank Of Ireland Ballybrit Novice Chase on Amberleigh House.
After a promising introduction behind His Song at Tipperary, Michael Hourigan's horse won well at Gowran and definitely looks a type to go on with. Moscow Express has the best form of these but may be feeling the effects of a run behind Dorans Pride last time, while Nuzum Road Makers could confirm his running over Cockney Lad at Roscommon. Hayes Hotel was unlucky last time out and should go close at the very least in the Corrib Oil Race, while Mariners Reef may reverse Listowel form with Amy Johnson in the handicap hurdle.
Wexford hosts an even bigger eightrace card, in which the centrepiece is the £12,000 Bewleys Handicap Chase, won last year in brilliant style by Ryhane. Arthur Moore's horse goes again, with his stable companion Wylde Hide topping the weights, but three miles and very soft ground may not be ideal for him, especially since he can be a difficult animal to settle.
Preference is for the comparatively inexperienced Blasket Sound, who only got as far as the first before depositing his amateur rider at Punchestown last time, but who is a dour galloper with a light weight.
Three miles on soft ground is just about perfect for Runabout and Andrew McNamara's six-year-old looked to be returning to a peak with a decent run over fences last time. The Stanley Hurdle looks a winnable option while Go Roger Go should win the Beginners Chase, if standing up, on his run with His Song earlier in the month.
Local man John Berry can have a very good time in the bumper divisions with Dusky Lamp and Terra Cotta Brave.
