IRISH ANGLE

NAP OF THE DAY

It hasn’t been an easy few weeks for Gordon Elliott having lost some very smart horses and having to watch Willie Mullins win all around him at the DRF. he can gain a win over his great rival in today’s Listed Opera hat Mares’ Chase at naas with RIVIERE D’ETEL (3.40).

she beat allegorie De Vassy at Fairyhouse on new Year’s Day and despite being a few lbs worse off, she can repeat the feat today.

EACH WAY THIEF

WHISKEYWEALTH (3.05) looks a strong each-way player in the conditional jockey’s handicap hurdle.

terence O’brien’s eight-year-old is rated much higher over fences and drops in class here having run in a big handicap chase at Fairyhouse last time. he’s pretty consistent at this level and has won on heavy ground in the past when trained by Edward O’grady.

Jockey John shinnick has plenty of experience and the Fermoy youngster has ridden five winners for O’brien.

ONE TO WATCH

LARK In the MORNIN (1.20) can continue the fine partnership of JJ slevin and Ballymore’s sean Mulryan in the opening juvenile hurdle.

this race has produced several Fred Winter winners and there was a lot to like about this Joseph O’brien-trained gelding’s last run at Punchestown, keeping on behind highwind.

Ground is a concern as he was pulled out of Fairyhouse on Wednesday but he looks a strong contender if lining up.

ONE TO SWERVE

BILLAWAY (4.15) and Patrick Mullins are going for an amazing five-in-a-row in the Quinnbet hunters

Chase but may struggle to pull it off.

he’s 12 now and off since last May and cousin Emmet may have the answer with It’s On the Line.