This looks to be between the pair of Favori Logique and Dinero Falso, but with the former’s best form coming over further preference is for Peter Croke’s charge. Second on her last two outings, she’s deserving of a first success under rules. The form of her run over just a furlong further here run last time out took a nice boost when the horse in third, Dakota Beat, bolted up at Perth next time out. Eoin Walsh, who has been in the saddle for both runs under rules retains the partnership, with his 5lb claim ensuring she remains competitive at the weights. Plan B, who makes his second start under rules for Gearoid O’Loughlin could be the fly in the ointment.
There are plenty in the opening handicap of the day who harbour decent chances, but the eye is drawn to Edward and Patrick Hardy’s charge. Judging by the way he’s finished his last two races this step up in trip looks ideal for him, having just run out of track when second at Tramore, before getting up late to dead heat at Kilbeggan last time out. He’s up 5lb in the weights, but with the 7lb claim of Nicolas Terrassin, he’s effectively carrying less here. The value of that claimer shouldn’t be overlooked, with five of Terrassin’s six rides over hurdles resulting in his mount finishing in the frame.
Having finished second to subsequent Grade 1 winner Skyace over hurdles last winter, Denise Foster’s chasing newcomer is clearly the quality horse in this line-up, for all that we’ve not seen her over fences yet. Twice a winner last season, this trip will pose no problems for her, and while the ground could do with being a touch softer, she probably only has to run within a stone of her peak effort to be the one they have to beat. She found the aforementioned Grade 1 that Shark Hanlon’s filly won too much when last seen in April, but this looks a more suitable return to action with none of those with chasing experience offering much to be frightened of.
Fine Brunello has historically needed his first run of the season, so his fourth on his first run in 11 months at Tipperary was a fair effort. He has 16l to find with Poseidon who was second that day, but we’ll likely see much more here. On better ground he’s got some nice form in the book, finishing second to Fakir D’Oudairies in a Grade 2 two years ago. He was in the process of running a good race on chasing debut at Killarney on good ground that season, when coming down three out as he stalked the front pair. Since then, he’s followed solid 130+ horses Sayo and Charlie Stout home over fences - a repeat of those runs could see him go close.
A dual purpose course located in the Irish midlands, Roscommon is home to a single Graded race, the Kilbegnet Novice Chase which has been won by Henry De Bromhead three times in the last decade.
The track is a sharp, right-handed oval which tends to favour the speedier types who are able to secure an early position. To compliment the very fair track are easy fences that allow mistakes without too much punishment or hindrance.
