UP FOR THE CAP D’aubois looking for first Irish win

THE Willie Mullins-trained Cap D’aubois should register his first win in Ireland by capturing the Great National Ballykisteen Hotel Hurdle in Tipperary tomorrow.

Winner of a three-year-old event in Cagnes-sur-mer, this Frenchbred five-year-old has raced three times since joining Ireland’s champion trainer, starting in a Grade 1 juvenile event won by Apples Jade at the 2016 Punchestown Festival.

Then, after an eight-month break, he finished second to Missy Tata in a three-runner listed event at Limerick’s Christmas meeting. When last seen, he contested the ultra-competitive Coral.ie Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown last January. Racing off a mark of 140, he never threatened but was beaten by less than seven lengths when finishing 11th behind Ice Cold Soul.

Opportunities for a 140-rated hurdler are scarce at this time of year but, if Cap D’aubois can live up to his rating, he should take this prize for Mullins and Ruby Walsh. He has plenty in hand on figures.

Meanwhile, the Maddens – Boots and Slippers – have prospects of a double with consistent top-weight Shake The Bucket in the Packie Downey Memorial Handicap Chase and Pass The Ball, raised 16lb for a smooth handicap hurdle success on this track last time, in the beginners chase which is restricted to horses rated 102 or less over hurdles. Softening ground, however, would be a concern for both horses.

FRENCH FANCY Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins have big hopes for Cap D’aubois tomorrow