RACING: The 33 to 1 Champion Hurdle outsider, Ansar, puts his Cheltenham credentials on the line at Gowran today and might just come up short.
The forecast "soft" going might not be as bad as Dermot Weld had feared during the week but it is still less than ideal for the Galway Hurdle winner.
"He is a good ground horse but we are keen to run him. We will think about afterwards after the race," Weld said.
Traditionally, the Grade Two Red Mills Trial caters for those just off the very top class, and although Ansar has officially got over a stone in hand, the going might just even things up.
If it does, Bob Justice looks the one to take advantage. On just his second start of the season, he ran a blinder to be fourth to Adamant Approach in the Pierse, and conditions might just suit the Walsh runner best.
Lyreen Wonder will find the company of the Red Mills Chase a lot more suitable than the Hennessy, which Arthur Moore had been considering for the Leopardstown Chase winner. The veteran Bob Treacy and Moscow Express are in opposition and although Lyreen Wonder is wrong at the weights, his present form will make him a popular choice.
The JP McManus-owned Nation looks an intersting runner in the first.
Jenniferjo did well to get as close as she did behind Yogi and Greywell in a course bumper last time, and with Ruby Walsh on board today, she should go close in the first division of the maiden.
Some Judge, beaten a short head by The Nephron at Punchestown in December, looks the one to score in the bumper for Edward O'Grady.
