LOVE And Porter and Royal Mountbrowne, who were involved in an exciting finish at the Punchestown Festival, clash again in the Flower Hill Handicap Chase at Navan this afternoon. That rematch is by far the most attractive event on what are three extremely ordinary Bank holiday cards.
What almost certainly decided the Punchestown race was a bad mistake at the third last by Royal Mountbrowne. To his credit the eight-year-old fought back gamely, going down by only a neck at the finish under a strong ride by Charlie Swan, who picked up the suspension which rules him out today.
As Doc O'Connor weighed in 2lb overweight on the winner, it means, in fact, that Love And Porter is only 2lb worse off at the weights today. So it should be close between them again, with possibly Royal Mountbrowne coming out on top this time.
The Nashwan colt, Power Play, made a pleasing debut over a mile at the Curragh when runner-up to Truth Or Dare. The longer trip of the Erin's Isle Race should suit and he preferred to Apache Twist.
At Limerick, Brook Hill Lady who made a successful racecourse debut in a Listowel maiden hurdle, may have progressed sufficiently to take the Shannon Handicap Hurdle.
Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Royal Mountbrowne and Brook Hill Lady, may also be on the mark at Down Royal with Roblexie beaten in a photo finish in a Curragh maiden by Escrito.