Alexander Taipan has scope for feature event

Thurles Preview: The Grade Three Phil Sweeney Memorial Chase is the top event on today's seven-race card at Thurles.

Six are set to compete for the €32,000 two-and-a-quarter mile feature. On ratings it should principally concern Alexander Taipan and Gemini Lucy.

The latter possesses a mark of 148 and she gets 5lb off the 144-rated Alexander Taipan. So in theory, with the allowance, the mare has 9lb in hand.

However, Willie Mullins' gelding was good over hurdles at Limerick last week, he goes well on winter ground and he may have the most scope for progression.

Vintage Treasure should not be underestimated either as he was back to his best last time.

Mullins and Ruby Walsh have two other big chances as well. Dani California can improve on two placings in the 4-y-o winners-of-one hurdle while Cooldine can do likewise in the maiden.

Siegemaster is hard to take on in the novice hurdle following his half-brother Our Vic's career-high second placing in the King George. Davy Russell, rider of Siegemaster, can be expected to be in the thick of the action in the opener on the attractively handicapped veteran Out The Gap.

• Gordon Elliott believes there is a big handicap to be won with Roman Villa this season as he prepares him for the Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown on January 13th.

The six-year-old chased home subsequent Ladbroke Hurdle winner Jack The Giant at Cheltenham last month and is reportedly in fine fettle ahead of the valuable contest.

Elliott said yesterday: "It was good to see Jack The Giant win The Ladbroke as we gave him 2lb at Cheltenham.

"He has run on heavy ground before and he was only beaten three and a half lengths but it is on the inside track at Leopardstown so I don't think it will be that bad."