PREVIEWS: Limerick and Down Royal: Michael Hourigan's Christmas menu primarily revolves around Beef Or Salmon's Ericsson clash with Best Mate but Hi Cloy can prove a successful appetiser in Limerick's St Stephen's Day feature.
Just seven line up for the Grade Two novice chase including experienced types like Beausheram and True Blue Victory.
Hi Cloy doesn't have their experience but form behind the likes of Mossy Green and Nil Desperandum represents some of the best novice lines in the country and the relatively easy two and a half miles at Limerick should suit.
Hourigan can also pick up the two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle where She'll Be Lucky can improve on her comeback run behind Delgany Rose at Gowran last week.
Michael O'Brien brings Away Home south for the second maiden hurdle and fans of the ante-post Cheltenham bumper favourite Martinstown will be anxiously looking for a success.
The O'Brien runner was third to Martinstown and Master Albert at Fairyhouse last month and any translation of that level of form to hurdles should be enough. Local trainer Charles Byrnes has Sunset Rebel in the first maiden and although this one was beaten a long way by Rupununi at Listowel in September, this race shouldn't take a lot of winning. Ransboro looks the danger.
Those waiting for the bumper can put their faith in Dusty Sheehy providing the solution with Traveller's Joy.
Christy Roche has already nominated Twist N Shout as his most likely chance of a holiday winner in the opener at Down Royal. Runner-up to First Diploma at Fairyhouse a fortnight ago, Twist N Shout looks to have most to fear from the frustrating Boleyknowsbest.
Liz Doyle sends Greywell north for the beginners' chase and the six year old should be able to get off the mark over fences based on his run behind Boneyarrow at Clonmel.
Willoughby Joe picked up the opportunity handicap hurdle at long odds last year but will be nothing like those odds this time after winning last time out.
Beaufort County and Mr Murphy renew acquaintance again after filling the places behind the high-class Blazing Liss at Navan. The latter is taken to come out on top.
