CIGAR TIME FOR CUBA?

The smart Santiago De Cuba is a confident choice to get the afternoon off to a good start for punters at Kilbeggan.

This Killarney bumper winner has shown up well on both his starts over hurdles and has been found an excellent opportunity to get off the mark.

Last time out he finished third in a Punchestown maiden won by Conron and this doesn’t look at all as strong a race.

Jessica Harrington’s (right) good run of form can continue into the mares hurdle where Holding Pattern will take beating.

This one made a good start to her career over hurdles when landing a maiden at Punchestown several weeks ago.

That form has already been boosted as the runner-up, Awayinthewest, won a decent mares handicap hurdle at Ballinrobe during the week. In the beginners chase Hardback is sure to be popular following his good second to Le Martalin at Killarney. However, it could be worth a chance on the talented Capital Force.