Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BRELADE’S SO SHARP!
Elliott’s charge the one to be on in Fairyhouse feature
THE smart Brelade could be the one to side with in the featured Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
This contest, which is one of three Grade 2 events on a quality card, gives Brelade a good chance to secure the decent prize that his talents deserve.
Since going over hurdles, the Gordon Elliott inmate has just a Navan maiden success to his name, but that does not tell the full story.
He has been placed twice at Grade 1 level and he showed up very well behind Willoughby Court at Cheltenham last time.
At Cheltenham, Brelade looked as if the trip caught him out so he should appreciate a return to this distance.
He faces several interesting rivals and the pick of these could be Avenir D’Une Vie.
The grey hasn’t run since making a winning debut over hurdles in a maiden at this track in November, but could be a high-class hurdler.
Elliott also has good prospects of landing the Normans Grove Chase, where his challenge is headed by Ball D’Arc. This gelding has already enjoyed a tremendous season having notched up two Grade 3 victories as well as a €100,000 handicap triumph at this track.
Form such as his 19-length victory over the subsequent Cheltenham winner Tully East makes for impressive reading.
Ballycasey looks the most likely danger to Ball D’Arc as he attempts to build on his Red Mills Chase victory.
The drop back in trip may not be ideal, but he is a more reliable sort than a number of his rivals.
In the other Grade 2 race, Invitation Only is put forward to score on his first outing since December.
His maiden hurdle defeat of the high class Barra reads very well, while last time out he ran a fine third to Death Duty and Monalee in a Navan Grade 2.
He comes into this a fresh horse and there is certainly more to come from him as a hurdler.
The opening maiden hurdle can see Theydon Park succeed, while in the beginners’ chase, Woodland Opera has been found a good chance to build on some respectable outings.