MOORE LIKE IT

It’s Fahy v Fahey as Take All and Dunvegan chase Fairyhouse handicap showpiece

BY RYAN MCELLIGOTT

TAKE ALL can strike a blow for the country’s smaller yards by landing the valuable Dan & Joan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse today.

This €80,000 prize has attracted a competitive field but Seamus Fahey’s charge appeals more than most.

The seven-year-old has already shown a good level of form this season including when chasing home Riviere D’Etel in a Grade 3 at Navan last month.

On his last start at Leopardstown he ran a creditable third to Grange Walk and even that showing puts him into contention.

He now enjoys a five pounds pull in the weights with Grange Walk and that could enable him to turn the tables on that rival.

Dunvegan looks an obvious threat as he produced a lovely display to make all in a Grade B handicap chase over this course and distance in late November.

A seven pound rise in the weights doesn’t look excessive and another strong showing is on the cards from him.

Willie Mullins has a few strong chances over the course of the card and he could land the mares maiden hurdle with

Brooklyn Glory.

She was a very impressive winner of two bumpers last season and she ran well in a Grade 2 event at Leopardstown last February.

On her final start of the season she ran quite poorly in a bumper at this track but she is easily forgiven that effort.

She has the potential to do well over hurdles and is preferred to Banntown Gil who showed up well to finish third to Party Central at Punchestown last month.

The beginner’s chase looks sure to fall the way of Mullins as he supplies two formidable contenders.

El Barra (inset) will be popular having begun his chasing career with a fine second to Blue Lord at this track last month.

However, preference is for Saint Sam who is the mount of Paul Townend and was a very smart juvenile hurdler last season.

He has yet to win for Willie Mullins but showed quality form such as when second to Quilixios in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown and when chasing home Jeff Kidder at Cheltenham.

Gordon Elliott also looks to have a few decent chances and he can bag the opener with Britzka.

This four-year-old made a winning debut over jumps at this track last month and then followed up with a creditable Grade 2 placing at Leopardstown over Christmas.

He is making a quick enough return to action but might still deal with stablemate Iberique Du Seuil and White Pepper.

Elliott should also land the staying handicap hurdle with Ardhill who bolted up over a similar trip at Ascot last month.

This gelding is 18 pounds higher than when last contesting a handicap hurdle in Ireland but he could still be a step ahead of the handicapper.