Hill Society looks the part in feature race

A clash between three of the biggest names in Irish steeple-chasing was salvaged by the decision to switch today's Tipperary programme to Cork after Tipperary had been deemed unraceable. This was the Tipperary Racecourse Chase over two miles, which draws into competition Klairon Davis, Merry Gale and Hill Society.

Merry Gale may have the edge in race fitness but as compared to a handicap he is the outsider of three. He meets Klairon Davis at level terms, although over this distance this year Arthur Moore's horse gave him a stone and a beating at Fairyhouse.

That was back in the early spring and Klairon Davis has been a horse who hits his peak at that time of year with great regularity.

Before Christmas, therefore, he may not be able to cope with Hill Society, even if the weights are in his favour. A hurdles success at Punchestown in October and a second placing to Dorans Pride over fences at Gowran Park two weeks later should have the last Cheltenham Festival short-head loser spot on for this Grade Three contest.

Sunset Lodge, a smart bumpers winner and unbeaten novice hurdler, is napped to beat two of last season's novices, River Pilot and Khairabar, in the Bansha Hurdle.

One can go further than just call him unbeaten, he has yet to be challenged, but today's race will help to establish his place in current novice hurdle pecking order.

Palette ended a 21 Flat and National Hunt race losing sequence when her luck changed at Clonmel. This was in a beginners' chase, in which she took over the lead four fences from home.

Her two rivals of note in the Silvermines Novice Chase are the Galway winner, Mr Jeeves, and Father Gerry, who was fifth behind Promalee at Naas.

The Wexford 98 Syndicate will be looking to Gentle Mossy to end his sequence of second placings in the Barrytown Handicap Hurdle, but once again it may a case of Follow The Leader for Gentle Mossy.

Racing's strangest case of "mistaken identity" should reach its conclusion this morning. Bogus amateur "Angel Jacobs" finally appears before the Jockey Club disciplinary committee charged under the rules regarding misleading the stewards and acting in a manner prejudicial to the integrity of racing.