Preview killarney 25th Aug

A decent renewal of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Hurdle features on a seven-race Killarney card and champion trainer Willie Mullins is represented by Rattan.

He wasn't ideally suited by the way the race was run when returned to jumps action at Sligo, but he ultimately beat subsequent easy Kilbeggan winner Heavenly Bound by half a length and the slightly longer trip here looks a plus.

London Bridge has something to prove over the distance, having seemingly found it against him at Galway, and an uninspiring effort on the Flat since hardly enhances his claims.

Punchestown maiden hurdle winner Bullock Harbour defied a three-month layoff with a simple triumph on the level last week and looks a more potent threat, while Henry De Bromhead's mare Catcherinscratcher stays well but probably wouldn't want this to become a tactical affair.

There is a nice prize up for grabs in the www.lakehotel.com Handicap Chase and Francis Du Mesnil, placed on his last five starts and representing the shrewd Arthur Moore team, sneaks in at the foot of the weights.

He may have most to fear from Norther Bay, who had the reopposing Armaramak and Banna Man behind when a fine second to Truckers Delight at the Galway Festival.

Blazing Beacon and Sarteano will be popular in the McSweeney Arms Hotel Handicap Hurdle, and Ainama stands out in the Killarney Oaks Hotel Beginners Chase after following home Mossey Joe and St Devote on his first two outings over birch.

Newcomers El Gran Torino and Ploopluck Bridge should give Tramore third Bleuker something to think about in the opening Bemish Irish Stout 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle at 4.45, while former top-class hurdler De Valira takes to fences for the first time in the Kelly Foley & Co. In Association With Lloyd Fitzpatrick Accountants Beginners Chase.