THE BEST BET BARRA NONE
As the National Hunt season hits full swing Meade has his team in fine shape and this gelding should have no trouble winning a maiden hurdle this term.
The six-year-old was beaten on his jumping bow at Gowran last month but he was entitled to need his first run since March.
Furthermore he still ran a creditable race to take third behind the useful West Coast Time.
The benefit of a recent outing makes him a stronger contender than Lucky Pass.
That one was one of the best bumper horses in Ireland a couple of seasons ago when winning both his starts for Willie Mullins.
He has since switched to Gordon Elliott but he has a 670 day absence to overcome and a longer trip might suit him better.
In the opener a chance is taken on Robert Tyner’s Midnight Stroll who needs to bounce back from a shocker at Gowran recently. A TOUGH week for Gordon Elliott can end on a bright note with the trainer holding a number of strong chances at Wexford.
Elliott, who endured the bitter blow of losing Fayonagh on Wednesday, can get off the mark with Barra (left).
This mare may not have been at her best on her final outing last season but she has shown some high class form.
The pick of her efforts is her second to Let’s Dance in the mares novice hurdle at Cheltenham in March.
He has already shown that he is capable of far better form and he is worth taking a chance on as he would outclass these at his best.
Jockey Paul Townend looks to have good prospects of a double and he can strike first on Crocodile Dundee.
This seven-year-old was a frustrating sort in the past but he comes here in the form of his life following recent wins at Listowel and Tipperary.
He is only six pounds higher than when scoring at Tipperary and this slightly longer trip and stiffer track are sure to work in his favour.
Townend is also expected to land the two mile handicap hurdle on Gavin Cromwell’s Prospectus.
This four-year-old was a useful type on testing ground last term and will be right at home on today’s ground.
In the rated novice chase Calino D’airy is a solid proposition following his course and distance win earlier in the month.
Of his rivals, Dont Tell No One is respected and likes this track but he probably wants further.
Oskar High can land the concluding handicap hurdle with the point-to-point scorer Gallahers Cross a likely type in the bumper.
If she can run to anything like that level she will surely have the measure of these rivals.
Elliott can also strike with Hardline who was unable to make a winning return at Downpatrick several weeks ago.
He might just have needed the run there and he showed on several occasions last season that he would have no trouble making his mark in a maiden.
Best Of Dubai, who is the mount of Patrick Mullins, can complete the Elliott treble in the mares bumper.
Elsewhere Static Jack is put forward in the handicap chase following a decent second to A Sizing Network last week.
That is one of the more encouraging pieces of recent form on offer in this race.
Roseriver Has should make his fitness count in the opener. The Downpatrick bumper winner shaped up well when third to Fayonagh last time.
The dual bumper winner Without Limites has been disappointing over hurdles but a switch to fences in the beginners chase could see him step forward.