Kilbeggan preview Prickly will bid to get back to winning ways when he lines up in the opener at Kilbeggan this evening, the Kilbeggan Maiden Hurdle. The three-times bumper winner was a disappointing fourth on his Flat debut at Leopardstown last month before finishing second at Limerick in a maiden hurdle. He again disappointed when seventh on the level at Tramore last week but, back over timber, a much-improved performance looks likely. Ballybryan was second on his last start at Sligo and he looks the main danger, while others with claims are Iffjack (first-time cheekpieces) and Buckeye Shan. Eight-times winner Indevan is sure to prove popular with punters in the Follow Kilbeggan On Twitter Hurdle. The Willie Mullins-trained gelding was disappointing on his last start at Galway but he may have needed that run to get his confidence back after falling in the Galway Plate. He reverts to hurdles now and can be expected to go close with Paul Townend in the saddle. Defining Year, Rathmuck Native and Roconga appear the ones to focus on in the Follow Kilbeggan On Facebook Maiden Hurdle. Glendaars Best, Authorative, Orion's Might and First Trim are a few for the shortlist in the Mullingar.ie Handicap Hurdle. Point-to-point winner Phangio should give a good account of himself in the www.kilbegganraces.com Beginners Chase, while Bottle Rattler, Mia's Anthem and Abarta are sure to feature prominently in the betting for the Tullamore Handicap Chase. Mullins introduces newcomer Airlie Beach in the bumper, the Athlone Flat Race. This daughter of Shantou is a half-sister to unbeaten stablemate Valerian Bridge who won three bumpers last year. Bertie Bell was a good second on his last two starts and he sets the standard in this two-mile-three-furlong contest.
