Balapour is suited

Ballinrobe/Sunday preview: Banasan, the ante-post favourite for the Galway Plate, has his Ballybrit warm-up at Ballinrobe tomorrow.

Michael O'Brien's runner is 8 to 1 favourite for the Galway showpiece with Paddy Power but runs over the smaller obstacles in the conditions hurdle where he faces a big task against Balapour.

The former Ulster Derby winner and County Hurdle runner-up has 12lbs in hand of Banasan at the ratings and Balapour looks the one to win this time.

Ruby Walsh again teams up with Inver Lady in the mares handicap hurdle and the 7lbs Tony Martin's runner picked up for winning at Roscommon last time doesn't look enough to stop her.

Christy Roche sends Hegarty west for the opening maiden hurdle and a runner-up placing to Fiza at Sligo should leave this one ready to cope with the JP Magnier-ridden Buffalo Bill.

Alpha Rhythm ran third to Kickham at Tipperary last weekend and a repeat of that sort of effort might be just good enough for the Beginners Chase.