ANDREW McNAMARA has kicked off the new 2010-11 National Hunt season in some style and Eagle’s Pass can help maintain the jockey’s momentum with another success at Tipperary this evening. Eagle’s Pass will have the 58th start of his busy career in today’s conditions hurdle and he is rated high enough to fancy his chances of an eighth victory.

Thomond O’Mara’s ultra-consistent performer hasn’t won in over a year and in the past he has come agonisingly close to a major success, including finishing runner-up in last year’s Cesarewitch and the 2008 Galway Hurdle.

But a 131 mark gives him an obvious shout in today’s company and his jockey is certainly in form with McNamara eager to get off the 13-winner mark for the term, well clear at the top of the riders table.

Prince Roco only got to the second fence on his last visit to Tipperary in April before crashing out in the race won by Wickham Street. Some of his winter form behind the likes of Osana gives him the winning of today’s Beginners Chase.

Charles O’Brien enjoyed a good weekend with Bewitched and Double Double and Hired Hand can continue the hot-streak in tonight’s finale.

– BRIAN O'CONNOR