Benny can overcome top weight and land spoils in Limerick

SNUGBOROUGH BENNY must defy top weight and 15 rivals if he is to land tomorrow’s JT McNamara Ladbrokes Munster National (4.35) at Limerick, but Liam Cusack’s charge has the class to do just that.

A fine third under Denis O’Regan in the Galway Plate after his usual hold-up tactics, the nine-year-old is forced to give away weight all around but Kevin Brouder’s 5lb allowance sees him run off a handy racing weight of 11-2.

Three miles looks like his optimum trip having been stretched when finishing fourth in the Irish Grand National, and this may be a red-letter day for the emerging Laois trainer in the €100,000 showpiece.

The new jumps season really kicks into gear at the Patrickswell track, where the Listed Novice Hurdle (1.45) looks an intriguing affair where Willie Mullins’ Fast Buck will take some stopping under Paul Townend (pictured).

Having landed a similar event at Galway when defeating subsequent Grade Three winner Turnpike Trip, he boasts the best form on offer, although Gavin Cromwell’s Darver Star should throw down the gauntlet to him.

The Listed Cailin Alainn Mares Hurdle (2.50) is another quality contest but Declan Queally’s Western Victory

– a smooth Listed winner at Gowran Park last week – may have too much stamina and dictate things from the front once again under Sean Flanagan. There is also plenty for punters to get their teeth stuck into on the flat at the Curragh tomorrow, with champion jumps trainer Mullins making a four-pronged attack on the €100,000 Tote Irish Cesarewitch (4.25).

The Closutton maestro may be denied by last year’s runner-up Davids Charm, however, as John Joe Walsh has found the key to his talented eight-year-old and Gavin Ryan’s 5lb allowance could prove crucial as he seeks an impressive four-timer across codes.