TEA HAS STAYERS IN THE BAG
A close third and unlucky in the race last year, Teahupoo is the horse to beat in the Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle.
Gordon Elliott’s charge was beaten less than a length, having been hampered, behind stable-companion Sire Du Berlais and Dashel Drasher before being promoted to second spot.
Trained all season for a second tilt at the Stayers’ crown, the seven-year-old has been seen only once since last spring, when turning over Impaire Et Passe in the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse in early December.
That was Teahupoo’s second win in the race, having lowered the colours of Klassical Dream and Honeysuckle 12 months earlier.
After his Fairyhouse win, Elliott confirmed that the Robcour-owned gelding would head straight to Cheltenham. And his patience might be rewarded soon after 3.30 this afternoon.
Impressive winner of the Galmoy at Gowran Park 14 months ago, Teahupoo failed to live up to expectations when fourth, beaten three lengths, behind Klassical Dream in the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown.
Today, Teahupoo must overcome three previous winners of the Stayers – evergreen 2019 winner Paisley Park, Gavin Cromwell’s Flooring Porter, winner in ’21 and ’22 and reverting to hurdling following three chase outings this term, and last year’s victor Sire Du Berlais, a three-time Festival winner and, like Paisley Park, in the veteran category at the age of 12.
At his best, Flooring Porter would be a threat to all while the two old-stagers have produced their best form at this venue.
Emmet Mullins relies on 2022 Grand National winner Noble Yeats, who outpointed Paisley Park in the Cleeve Hurdle here last time.
The nine-year-old deserves plenty of respect in a field which includes a trio of Closutton challengers, headed by Paul Townend’s (inset) mount Sir Gerhard.
In addition to Paisley Park, the local challenge features last year’s demoted runner-up Dashel Drasher, behind Noble Yeats last time, and the progressive, Fergal O’brien-trained Crambo, who pipped Paisley Park in the Long Walk at Ascot before Christmas.
The Ryanair Chase is similarly wide-open and affords Henry de Bromhead’s 10-year-old Envoi Allen a chance to bag a fourth Festival success.
Owned by Cheveley Park Stud, Envoi has won the Champion Bumper (2019), the Ballymore (2020) and last year’s renewal of this event, when he outpointed Shishkin.
In the enigmatic category, Envoi Allen hasn’t been seen since being collared late by Gold Cup hope Gerri Colombe in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal in November, but has been primed for this repeat bid.
A Grade 1 winner at Aintree last spring and conqueror of Pic D’orhy in a Grade 2 at Kempton last time, Joseph O’brien’s Banbridge has been prepped for another spring campaign and has solid claims, although there are major reservations about his ability to produce his best in current ground conditions.
But the one I like is Elliott’s Conflated, winner of a Savill’s and Irish Gold Cup and unlucky when making a last fence exit, behind Galopin Des Champs in both of those races this season.
Elliott’s Fil Dor, second to El Fabiolo in the Hilly Way is a solid performer too, in a field which also features Closutton hope Capodanno, winner of the Cotswold Chase here last time, and a strongbritish contingent, including Stage Star and Hitman, and Ahoy Senor.