KING FOR THE DAY

CLASSY novice King Of Kingsfield should take plenty of beating in the BETMGM County Hurdle.

Trained by Gordon Elliott, the six-year-old has won only one of his five starts over flights, a maiden at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting.

But his form is rock-solid, including a second to Tuesday’s Supreme winner Slade Steel in Naas and creditable placings in a couple of Grade 1 contests.

Second to Farren Glory in the Royal Bond, King Of Kingsfield finished 14 lengths third behind Festival winners Ballyburn and Slade Steel in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown last month.

Suited by being settled off a strong pace and arriving late, King Of Kingsfield should be suited by the make-up of the County. And I’ll be surprised if he’s not in the shake-up.

Saddling both Dinoblue and last year’s runner-up Allegorie De Vassy, Willie Mullins holds a strong hand in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares Cahse.

And, although unproven over two and a half miles, Donoblue sets the standard following her Grade 1 breakthrough at Leopardstown over Christmas and her second to El Fabiolo in the Ladbrokes Dublin Chase.

Outpointed by Impervious last year, Allegorie returned to winning ways in Naas last time, and has solid claims, along with Gavin Cromwell’s Limerick Lace.

And Mullins will be expected to take the JCB Triumph Hurdle, my preference being for Mark Walsh’s mount Majborough.

LONGSHOT: GENTLEMANSGAME (3.30)

O’HEHIR’S SELECTIONS 1.30 MAJBOROUGH 2.10 KING OF KINGSFIELD 2.50 READIN TOMMY WRONG

3.30 GALOPIN DES CHAMPS 4.10 FERNS LOCK

4.50 DINOBLUE

5.30 QUAI DE BOURBON