RACING/FAIRYHOUSE PREVIEW:THE IRISH National has proved famously elusive to Willie Mullins but Fairyhouse's other Grade One Easter feature, the Powers Gold Cup, has also eluded the champion trainer up to now, something he hopes Call The Police can put right tomorrow.
Mullins also saddles Bishopsfurze in the day one Easter Festival highlight where plenty of attention will fall on Flemenstar and his colourful Co Dublin trainer Peter Casey whose forthright views on celebration after the horse won the Arkle in January became a media hit.
Flemenstar subsequently won at Naas and comes to the €90,000 feature rated a full 8lb clear of his nearest rival Rathlin by the official handicapper.
In comparison Call The Police arrives here somewhat under the radar, and rated almost a stone inferior to the favourite, something that could change significantly now that Ruby Walsh’s mount is pitched into Grade One company at two and a half miles.
On just his third start over fences, Call The Police ran a stormer at Cheltenham when third to Bob’s Worth and First Lieutenant in the RSA Chase over three miles.
There were plenty speculating afterwards that the distance of the Jewson might have suited him better and significantly in terms of ground conditions, the predicted “good” going for tomorrow’s action will be ideal.
The same could yet be said for Flemenstar but all his best form is on a soft surface and he acts so well on that it could be dangerous to take very short odds about him being as effective on quicker ground.
The Mullins-Walsh team can also emerge best in the Grade Two mares novice hurdle with Ceol Rua. Some jumping issues looked to have been ironed out with Ceol Rua when she appeared at the Ratoath track in January, cruising through to take it up early in the straight and look as if she would win easily.
She idled badly, though, and was passed by Shadow Eile before rallying to win. The bare form probably doesn’t indicate her true ability and crucially she does have good bumper form on quicker ground.
The other Grade Two novice is ultra-competitive and in the conditions it could be profitable to side with Maller Tree, who should relish the step back up to two and a half miles and the better going.
A total of 23 line up for the €50,000 novice handicap hurdle and the three-mile trip makes King Vuvuzela an interesting value option.
Paul Nolan’s stayer disappointed in handicap company last time but the trip should help put in a better effort this time.
Tomorrow’s Cork feature is the Grade Three Imperial Call Chase which looks a good opportunity for Give Us A Hand in a disappointing four-runner turn-out.
Rodriguez has been in excellent form at Dundalk since his last start over flights and can take the first of the handicap hurdles at Mallow while Sir Loujay can defy a 10lb hike in the third one after winning at the track last month.
