Down Ace winning at Down Royal© Photo Healy Racing
Down Ace was well beaten by Foxrock last time but given his subsequent effort in the Hennessy last weekend, she is sure to have her supporters in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Mares Novice Chase at Thurles this afternoon.
Noel Meade 's charge was a Listed winner over hurdles last term and while she scored at Down Royal in December, she has not quite hit the same heights over fences yet. Our Katie was a winner a the track last month and looks the biggest danger for Down Ace, while Elsie chased home Vroum Vroum Mag in a Grade Two contest at this venue before being pulled up last time.
The Willie Mullins-trained Lockstockandbarrel is an eyecatching runner in the thurles.ie Maiden Hurdle after placing in two bumper outings last term.
The six-year-old runs in the famous blue silks of John and Sue Magnier and was not beaten far at all by the highly-rated Vigil last term. Winter Breeze and Show And Go are two who have been running well in the point-to-point field of late. Speed Demon has hit the bar a couple of times for Gordon Elliott and must be among the leading lights in the Cashel Maiden Hurdle. Old Time Melody is the only runner in the Killinan Handicap Hurdle with a recent victory to his name after striking gold at Fairyhouse last time. He beat The Grey Guy that day but the runner-up will be racing off more favourable terms here. Feenakilmeedy chased home Gitane Du Berlais last time, with the winner since going on to Grade One glory.
Charles Byrnes' charge lines up in the Ballycahill Beginners Chase, which also features Sumos Novios who was beaten into second by Mala Beach most recently and also chased home Valseur Lido when fourth earlier in the campaign.
The Rock Of Cashel Handicap Chase and Munster INH Flat Race also feature on the seven-race card.
