AIME AND FIRE
PAUL TOWNEND’S only mount of the day, Aime Desjy might make it thirdtime-lucky over fences in today’s Holden Fleet Management Beginners chase in Gowran Park.
Winner of a maiden hurdle in Kilbeggan last August, the Willie Mullins-trained No Risk At All gelding has shaped with promise, despite some mistakes, in his two outings over the bigger obstacles.
Aime Desjy contested a hot beginners on his fencing bow at Fairyhouse in early December and, although his jumping left a bit to be desired, he finished fifth – beaten 10 lengths – behind leading National Hunt Chase fancy Corbetts Cross.
And he was separated from the winner by Three
Card Brag, and subsequent winners, Cheltenham-bound Monty’s Star and my Irish National fancy Nick Rockett.
On his most recent start, Aime Desjy again made mistakes before chasing home solid yardstick Saint Felicien over this course and distance, an effort which suggested he should be capable of success in similar company.
He’ll have most to fear from Gordon Elliott’s Duffle Coat, outpointed by Senior Chief over a longer trip at Punchestown on his chase debut, but might get the job done.
Earlier, Elliott and Jack Kennedy (inset) have obvious claims with Angostura, beaten a half-length by the classy Helvic Dream, on his rules debut at Navan, in the opening Golf Classics At
Gowran Park Maiden Hurdle.
The talented but quirky Annamix carries the hopes of Mullins in the NHSC Tetratema Hunters Chase.
Ahead of his bid for Cheltenham glory, David Christie relies on Ramillies, winner of points at Turtulla and Cragmore before virtually stopping to a walk, having run a cracker, when a distant third behind Cheltenham hopefuls Its On The Line and Billaway in Naas.
But I’ll take a chance on 2020 Galway Plate victor Early Doors, having his first run for Enda Bolger and the mount of Derek O’connor.