Limestone Lad is the star attraction in the Irish Field Novice Chase, although the popular gelding is sure to start at prohibitive odds against three much inferior rivals, writes Alan Magee.
The front-running eight-year-old has taken well to fences with two victories at Cork, and is nearing peak fitness after rallying strongly in the straight to beat Sackville last time. The fences here may prove a greater test but, given a clear round, he should extend his unbeaten sequence over the larger obstacles to three.
Adamant Approach was a leading fancy for the Cheltenham Bumper after an impressive debut win at Leopardstown in February. The imposing six-year-old was forced to miss the Festival but his stablecompanions went on to occupy three of the first four placings. The Willie Mullins-trained gelding makes his eagerly awaited jumping debut in the Shamrock Classic Maiden Hurdle, where Saddlers` Mark appears the only realistic threat.
Carmelite overcame testing conditions to score at Galway on Monday but Jessica Harrington`s charge faces a difficult task to follow up in the opening INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle. He ran too freely when finishing 14 lengths behind Trevino previously at Cork, and meets that rival on 3lb worse terms.
Arthur Moore saddles three of the ten runners in the two and a quarter mile Narraghmore Handicap Chase, and the booking of Conor O`Dwyer aboard Tacalino appears significant.
Alan Magee (Irish Racing Services)
