Russell and Elliott to excel at Fairyhouse

FAYONAGH is the star of the Fairyhouse cast today, one of four really good rides for Davy Russell.

It is possible that Russell will hit 60 winners for the campaign this weekend – and that is exactly what he achieved in the whole of last season. He leads Ruby Walsh by one but should extend that advantage today, starting with

Tombstone in the opener. While far from the easiest to train, he has a lot of ability, and will certainly know his job. So will Fayonagh, which can take her maiden hurdle. This star is 6/1 for the mares’ novice hurdle at Cheltenham, which will not last.

From the immediate family of Solerina, she looks potentially even better than that exceptional mare, and could be the third leg of a Gordon Elliott treble, since

Shattered Love is a likely one in the mares’ maiden chase. A course winner, she should be too classy for Conduct Yourself.

Jack Kennedy rides that one but Russell’s two handicap mounts are enviable too. But Honest Tough

is napped for Eric McNamara after a fine Listowel run, Our Rachael a danger, and the latter’s stablemate Ivy Creeping

has strong claims for Tony Martin in the penultimate race.

Caniwillyegiveme can take a moderate conditionals’ contest for Seamus Fahey, Cantkidakidder could double up later for Noel Dooly and Jamie Codd is a notable ally for Gavin Cromwell’s The Boss Biddy

in the finale.

A cracking Flat jockeys’ title race ensures that Pat Smullen and Colin Keane are busy at Limerick. Smullen will fancy his chance in the Martin Molony Stakes aboard boss Dermot Weld’s Zawraq, the class act if he gets the trip.

Imaging has claims for the same duo in the Welcome BangorOn-Dee Annual Members Maiden,

Spanish Point preferred for Aidan O’Brien, while Keane can get one back aboard Fair Game in the nightcap for Edward O’Grady.