TEAL BRIDGE, who as a 12-year-old shares with Nuaffe the distinction of being the oldest horse in the field for this afternoon's Jameson Ulster National EBF Handicap Chase at Downpatrick, is put forward as the possible winner.
This three and a half miles in heavy ground is certain to be a severe test of stamina, and while Teal Bridge has yet to encounter similar ground conditions, they should not prove too arduous for this tough performer.
Although a winner three times over fences, easily his most outstanding display was when a close third to Son of War over an extended three and a quarter miles at Punchestown in November when racing from 16lb out of the handicap.
Nuaffe will handle the ground and is a distance winner, but he is not quite as good as he was and might just find one or two too good for him in the closing stages. The Thyestes Chase runner-up, Corymandel, made a horrific mistake at Punchestown last time when travelling well and must come strongly into the reckoning.
Dee Ell, the probable favourite, has never been the same force over fences as he was as a staying hurdler. His recent form, how is promising, and while he would probably be more effective on better ground, he may prove the danger to Teal Bridge.
Rythm Rock's running at Gowran, where was he was seventh of 19 finishers to Phardana, was the subject of a stewards' inquiry and the "explanations were noted". Adrian O'Shea now takes the ride in the Morning Star Belfast Opportunity Handicap Hurdle and the Paul Nolan-trained eight-year-old is taken to beat Bold Lillian.
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