BALLY-HO FOR ENDA
BALLYOISIN will be expected to register his fifth chase success in the Boost Your Bets On Ladbrokes App Chase in Punchestown tonight.
The seven-year-old, trained for JP Mcmanus by Enda Bolger, has bumped into some smart performers in his time, including Disko, in a Grade 2 in Down Royal last November.
And, having finished eighth, when favourite, in the handicap hurdle won by True Self at the Festival at this venue in April, Ballyoisin impressed when landing a conditions chase in Killarney last month, coasting home clear of
Alisier D’irlande and Shaneshill.
The 157-rated gelding has an excellent opportunity to follow-up here, with Jessica Harrington’s Woodland Opera (inset), a bit of a course specialist, and the Willie Mullins-trained Ballycasey the likely threats in a fascinating contest.
Winner of a bumper at Leopardstown in January of last year, when having his first run for Alan Fleming and Barry Connell (he had finished second to Carter Mckay on his debut for Peter Fahey on the same track), Bakmal appeals on his jumping bow in the Download The Ladbrokes App Maiden Hurdle.
This Balko gelding hasn’t been seen since finishing 14th behind the ill-fated Fayonagh in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival last year.
And, if the market speaks in his favour, he should be tough to beat here. If not, 123-rated Roseriver Has and Punches Cross might fight it out.
And, fresh from his Grade 2 double in Auteuil on Saturday and on his first day of action in Ireland since serving his 21-day Punchestown ban, Paul Townend might produce Thanks For Tea, reverting to hurdling, to strike late in the Bet Now With Ladbrokes App Handicap Hurdle.
CHAMPION jockey Davy Russell, out of action since May 7, made a triumphant return when guiding top-weight and 7/2 favourite Kaiser Black to a facile victory in the Connacht National in Roscommon.
The Pat Doyle-trained seven-yearold defied a 15lb. hike for his recent win in the Mayo National in Ballinrobe, scoring convincingly from Master Appeal and Na Trachtalai Abu.
Earlier, David Mullins gave Causey Arch (5/1), trained by his uncle Willie, a confident ride to get the better of favourite Canardier in the Dermot Hughes Car Sales Rated Hurdle.
And the champion trainer struck again when Cadmium, ridden by Danny Mullins, justified 4/6 favouritism in the two-mile novice chase, completing a 9/1 double for Closutton.