Tikkanen Express in winning action at Limerick last year© Photo Healy Racing
James Dullea reports Tikkanen Express and Dark Outsider to be in good form as they both bid to defy top weight in their respective races at Tramore this afternoon.
Tikkanen Express has to give weight all round in the McCarthys Irish Bar, Lexington Handicap Chase on the back of a run over hurdles at Cork following a 74-day break.
“He’s come out of his race well. He’s in good form and the trip and track should be OK,” said Dullea.
“We’re looking forward to getting him back going again.”
Gordon Elliott has a fascinating contender in Mill Quest who was a winner over hurdles at Downpatrick earlier this month.
The eight-year-old is having her first run over fences since January 2016, when she was sixth in a Grade Two mares’ novices’ chase won by Dinaria Des Obeaux.
Henry de Bromhead’s Theatre Dreams is sure to have plenty of supporters after making a winning debut over the bigger obstacles at Tipperary four weeks ago.
Dullea feels Dark Outsider’s previous course success will stand him in good stead when he carries the steadier of 11st 12lb in the Heinz Pollmeier Memorial Handicap Chase.
“He has a big task off top weight, but he’s well and he’s run round there before,” said the County Cork handler.
“He was placed on his last run over the distance at Tramore.
“We’re hoping for a good run, but we do realise it’s a big ask.”
His rivals include four-times course and distance winner Icelip David O’Brien’s 10-year-old will be making a quick re-appearance at Tramore after finishing fifth behind Ingleby Mackenzie on Thursday.
All eyes will be on French import Karl Der Grosse when the four-year-old makes his debut for trainer Willie Mullins in the opening Frank Gillane Memorial Maiden Hurdle.
The Closutton handler sets a poser for punters as he also saddles Sweet Flight who struck at the fist attempt in a bumper at Wexford two months ago.
