ISHAN gets another shot at the lowest level today at Clonmel, having landed a gamble last time, and can secure a follow-up success.
Sam Curling’s charge left his previous form well behind when stepping up to three miles on his handicap debut at Punchestown in late January.
The French-bred pulled away in good style to land a touch then having been backed from 25/1 into 6/1.
He was doing his best work at the finish then and despite a 9lb hike for that victory he may still be a step ahead of the handicapper.
Given the fact that he’s just a five-year-old there is scope for plenty more improvement.
He can confirm placings with Killinure Lass, who chased him home last time and is now 6lb better off at the weights.
The consistent mare Stolen Moment looks capable of being competitive off her current mark of 82 and could be a danger.
She ran well on her return to action when fourth at Punchestown last week and is entitled to come forward a bit from that run.
In the first division of this 80-95 contest Atlantian looks the obvious pick in a weaker race.
Tony Martin’s charge showed much more when chasing home Wa Wa at Navan last time and despite a 3lb rise this looks an easier task now.
The card opens with a mares beginners’ chase and Pont Aval can give Willie Mullins another winner.
She ran well when chasing home stablemate Instit at Fairyhouse last month and probably doesn’t have to improve much on that effort now.
The Soldier Of Fortune mare was having her second start then having been pulled up on her return from a lengthy absence Naas previously.
She is a talented sort and looks to have found a nice opportunity to get back to winning ways now.
Later on the card Trust Me Nate looks like another who can step forward now after a decent runner-up effort last time out.
The Nathaniel gelding chased home Paul Marvel at Limerick in late January and a repeat may be enough to get his head in front.
Je T’ai Porte comes into the race in decent form from the Flat and is an interesting rival. She does have to carry a winners penalty though and her lack of hurdling experience may count against her.