Firm ground may give Un Beau Roman edge in novice chase

Willie Mullins is already rapidly closing in on the half-million euro prize-money mark for this jumps season and his sole runner at Roscommon today, Un Beau Roman, can keep the momentum up by landing the Grade Three feature.

Un Beau Roman is one of half-a-dozen in an At The Races Kilbegnet Novice Chase which also includes the 141-rated Ted Veale who finally got off the mark over fences at the Galway festival.

In contrast Un Beau Roman has run just twice over fences, falling at the last when clear on his Killarney debut, and then easily scoring at Tramore last month. Two miles on quick ground looks perfect for him and Ted Veale’s exalted handicap mark might be flattering.

Co Cavan based trainer Tony Mulholland has nothing like Mullins's profile but he has proved he can produce winners across both codes this year and could emphasise the point again this afternoon.

Gaelic Twist reappeared after a substantial absence at Down Royal recently and belied 50-1 odds to finish runner up to Mahrajaan with Annagh Haven behind her in fourth.

Annagh Haven is also involved in today’s mile and a half apprentice handicap, but Gaelic Twist may step up again for that return to action.