Gallant Tipp © Photo Healy Racing
Gallant Tipp and Jansboy second and third behind Dushybeag in a beginners' event over the course and distance in the summer of 2014, are back at Clonmel for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Captain Christy Rated Novice Chase.
Indeed, Gallant Tipp can boast a win in a maiden hurdle on another foray to Powerstown Park, and many will look towards Edward O'Grady's charge now given that he is the highest rated of the seven participants.
Owner JP McManus' retained rider Barry Geraghty prefers Gallant Tipp to his other hope, King Leon and the possible market-leader could be helped by the addition of cheek-pieces.
The aforementioned Jansboy, was noted finishing off well in sixth place over two and a half miles at Navan just last Saturday, and he is likely to thrive over the three-mile trip.
In a competitive heat, none can be safely dismissed. Illtakeitfromhere and Donagh Meyler are an in-form combination and Paul Nolan's horse will benefit from his rider's valuable 7lb claim. Bellgrove could enjoy the transition to this stamina test on a right-handed track, whilst the mare, Railway Zira a prominent racer, is pretty sure to be there or thereabouts if things go her way.
Meanwhile, former trainer Jeremy Harley, who saw his colours carried to success by Bebhinn in the Listed Blenheim Stakes at Fairyhouse on Tuesday, will be hoping for a similar outcome with Martin Brassil's Much Wants More
Elsewhere, the racecourse riding debut of Paul Townend's sister, Jody, is noteworthy, as she takes the reins for her father, Tim, on Gowenwithdflow in the concluding Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Mares Flat Race.
Miss Townend has already proven herself an accomplished horsewoman in different disciplines and this bumper should be informative all told as no less than six of the runners make their debuts in the two-mile event.
