Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
My secret agent can triumph
AGENT BORU could spring a surprise in the €100,000 Boylesports National Trial Handicap Chase at Punchestown.
A good sized field tackles this three and a half mile marathon and between them Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins supply nine runners.
However, a chance is taken on Agent Boru who lines up for Thomas Gibney (inset) searching for his first win over fences.
He has posted some decent efforts in defeat this season and his latest second to R’evelyn Pleasure at Fairyhouse is a good run. Both the winner and third from that race have since run well in decent handicaps while the fifth placed horse won next time.
Furthermore Agent Boru is a strong stayer as he showed when scoring over three miles at Fairyhouse last Easter.
He has the ability to land a good staying handicap over fences and he might just take all the beating if he lasts home over this new trip.
In the Listed novice hurdle a chance is taken on Chosen Mate following his recent maiden hurdle success at Fairyhouse.
The Gordon Elliotttrained gelding was having his first run that day and he produced a nice effort to win well.
He should improve plenty from that run and he is chosen ahead of the Willie Mullins-trained juvenile La Sorelita.
In the opener, the cross country specialist Josies Orders is the choice as he warms up for another trip to Cheltenham.