Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
ALPHA MALE
Des Obeaux has one Ell of a National chance
ALPHA Des Obeaux can make it second time lucky as he looks to defy top weight in the Ladbrokes Munster National at Limerick.
This gelding ran a fine race in this contest last year when he chased home the much-improved Total Recall.
He is now 9lb higher in the weights and he won’t find it easy trying to give weight all round.
However, it will be fascinating to see how he fares on his first start for Gordon Elliott who has done well with similar types in the past.
Last season, Alpha Des Obeaux ran to a good level over fences, but he has yet to deliver on the huge potential that he showed as a hurdler.
He is worth taking a chance on in a race where his trainer fields a powerful five-strong challenge. Indeed his biggest danger could be the Elliotttrained Rogue Angel.
Elliott could also strike in the concluding beginners’ chase with the useful novice hurdler Boot Comp.
This gelding has had a good time over hurdles this season and there is no reason why he shouldn’t do at least as well over hurdles.
Another possible winner for Elliott is Tombstone, who is chosen ahead of Montalbano in the rated chase.
Tombstone ran respectably in a Grade 3 hurdle last week and would have been closer only for a mistake at the second last.
He hasn’t convinced as a chaser, but he still showed some useful form over fences last season which makes him the choice.
Willie Mullins also has a number of good chances on the card and he can win the opening novice hurdle with Getareason.
This talented gelding looked an unlucky loser at Listowel last time when a final-flight mistake cost him dearly.
Another likely winner for Mullins is the prolific Good Thyne Tara in the Listed mares hurdle.
She bolted up in a similar race at Gowran last week and she only needs to reproduce that effort to succeed.
In the mares’ handicap hurdle, Misty Millie can notch up another success. This year she has recaptured the early promise of her Flat career and she is progressing nicely.
In the other handicap hurdle, a chance is taken on Offshore Oscar who won at Killarney in August.
He is trained by local man Eric McNamara, who is sure to have his charge will primed for a big showing.