Fenton's stable star Sher Beau primed for a winning debut

Racing - Limerick and Down Royal preview:  Limerick's St Stephen's Day feature has a history of throwing up some star names of its own, and it will be interesting to see how Sher Beau shapes up on his racecourse debut over fences in the Grade Two Guinness Greenmount Park Novice Chase.

Philip Fenton has already described Sher Beau as the best he has trained, and the former champion amateur jockey in both Britain and Ireland pitches his stable star into the deep end against six opponents with a lot more experience in the bag.

In contrast, Sher Beau is still a raw recruit, but he has already won a Grade Two over hurdles when edging out no less than Kill Devil Hill at Fairyhouse last April, and won a point-to-point by a distance in his younger days.

"We had a few minor setbacks with him through the autumn, so we decided it was wiser to go to Limerick than risk him at Leopardstown," said Fenton yesterday.

"He is sure to improve for the run and the experience, but we think a lot of him and we hope he is ready to do himself justice."

Fenton's 338 racecourse winners during an illustrious riding career included the likes of Danoli and Ventana Canyon, so his high regard for Davy Condon's mount must be significant.

Of the others, Kerryhead Windfarm's jumping has let him down in the past, so On The Net could be the biggest threat to Sher Beau successfully bridging a 241-day absence from racing.

An even bigger star name kicking off a chasing career on Monday will be the former Cheltenham hero Back In Front, who will have Paddy Flood on his back in the Beginners Chase. Any sort of competent clear round should see the former top hurdler home in front.

A candidate for unluckiest loser of the winter is Chesney, who threw away a winning chance at Navan last Sunday by running through the wing of the final flight. He is slightly higher in the weights on the back of that effort, but the handicap hurdle still looks within his compass.

Offshore Account's sole jumping start to date was a good run behind Alexander Taipan, and the balance of his bumper form on top of that makes a pretty convincing argument for the opening maiden hurdle.

Offshore Account's trainer, Charlie Swan, has had some horses scoping badly in the last few weeks, but his 10 intended starters on St Stephen's Day have all scoped clean, and a healthy Teeming Rain will be many people's idea of a bet in the Beginners Chase at Down Royal.

Wexford was hardly an ideal kick-off point for the dour-staying Teeming Rain's chasing career, and some of his hurdles form, including a defeat of Sweet Kiln, gives him the clear beating of the locally trained Maswaly.

Blessyourpinksox is Stakes class on the flat and should relish the drop in trip from her hurdles debut at Fairyhouse when lining up for the two mile maiden hurdle.