Hughes bids for Fairyhouse repeat

Sandra Hughes will bid to record back-to-back wins in the feature at Fairyhouse on Saturday, the Grade B EasyFix Handicap Chase.

Successful 12 months ago with Nearly Nama'd, Hughes is represented by Art Of Payroll this time round.

The son of Shirocco was second on his first two starts of the season, before again filling the runner-up spot when tried in handicap company at Punchestown on his most recent outing.

He went up 3lb for that effort, and he is sure to have plenty of supporters now with Jonathan Burke again in the saddle.

Owner JP McManus has Jarry D'Honneur My Hometown and Peoples Park in the mix.

Mark Walsh has opted to ride the latter, while Paul Townend will partner Jarry D'Honneur, who returns to action after a 617-day break.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding makes his handicap debut in this two-mile-one-furlong contest, and it will be interesting to see how the lightly-raced seven-year-old gets on.

Top-weight Dandridge looks a leading contender with Davy Russell booked to ride, while others to consider are the Gordon Elliott-trained Turn Over Sivola and the versatile Empresario

Bryan Cooper takes the ride on Empresario, and he will be aboard A Genie In Abottle in the opening Jim Ryan Racecourse Services Beginners Chase.

A good third on his debut over fences, the son of Beneficial looks to have solid claims, with Cheltenham Festival winner Martello Tower and three-time victor Acapella Bourgeois his chief rivals. Thanks For Tea and recent hurdles winner Emcon are the stand-out names in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Handicap Chase, while I Knew Well Rolling Rocket and Blackwater Bridge are a few for the shortlist in the Winter Festival Handicap Chase.

Cheltenham Bumper fourth Castello Sforza makes his debut over timber in the Irish Racing Year Book Maiden Hurdle, and he should prove hard to beat.

The Christmas Parties At Fairyhouse 17th December Rated Novice Hurdle looks a more competitive affair, with Bel Ami De Sivola and Teacher's Pet both seeking hat-tricks.

Recent winners Veinard The Jazz Singer and Theo are sure to have plenty of supporters in the Follow Fairyhouse On Social Media Handicap Hurdle, while Mullins' newcomer Bon Papa looks the one to side with in the concluding Kettles Hotel Supporting Fingal Ravens GAA Fundraiser (Pro/Am) Flat Race.