Net D'Ecosse (nearest) © Photo Healy Racing
Net D'Ecosse attempts to gain some reward for his recent consistency when he goes to post for the Eamon Sheridan Groundworks Chase at Ballinrobe on Thursday.
Noel Meade 's seven-year-old hasn't managed to get his head in front since December 2015 but has been performing with credit of late, finishing third at Kilbeggan and Galway before occupying the runner-up berth in a competitive event back at Kilbeggan.
Along with Jimmy Two Times, he boasts the highest official rating of the seven runners but must concede 5lb to the recent Downpatrick scorer. Thanks For Tea reverts to fences after scoring over timber at Bellewstown, and The Gatechecker is another to consider following his good second at Listowel.
The John Mulhern Mares Handicap Hurdle is the most valuable race on the card and sees Nellie Pledge making a swift reappearance following her third at Galway on Monday. Verona Opera has been in good form, while Tay Lane goes for Willie Mullins.
The champion trainer will be hoping that Court Artist raises her game for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle.
The six-year-old was disappointing on her jumping bow at Down Royal but was previously promising in bumpers. Now Let Go returned from two years on the sidelines with an encouraging second here and might be the one to beat. Azua Emery was snapped up by Gigginstown House Stud after running second in the French provinces earlier in the year, and she debuts for Gordon Elliott in the On-Course Vets 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle.
Elliott will also be hoping that Boytonrath can build on a couple of second placings when she lines up for the Tuam Herald Handicap Hurdle, in which she takes on her Tramore conqueror Athloman Cottage again. Granny Biddy goes for the hat-trick in the Yupana Inc. California Handicap Hurdle, while Caniwillyegiveme could be the answer to the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase.
