Minsk finally set for jumping debut

THE LEADING Triumph Hurdle fancy Minsk could make his long-awaited debut over jumps at Fairyhouse on Saturday.

Dessie Hughes’s four-year-old is one of 16 entries for the Grade Two Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle which could turn out to have a major impact on the Triumph picture next month.

Also among the possibles is Willie Mullins’s Darroun, a general 16 to 1 shot for the Triumph after his Leopardstown defeat of Hisaabaat, and his stable companion Ut De Sivola.

Most attention though is likely to focus on Minsk, winner of the Irish Cesarewitich on the flat but who was bought by owner Barry Connell with a National Hunt career in mind.

Minsk is currently disputing 7 to 1 favouritism for the Cheltenham highlight with Sadlers Risk on the back of encouraging reports on his jumping.

Saturday’s other Grade Two feature is the €40,000 Bobbyjo Chase, a recognised Grand National trial which was won by the subsequent Aintree hero Hedgehunter in 2005.

There are 13 possibles for this year’s race including the prolific Seabass who also holds an entry in Saturday’s Racing Post Chase at Kempton.

Willie Mullins has four hopefuls including last year’s winner The Midnight Club and the Thyestes hero On His Own.

Other Aintree possibles include the Kerry National winner Alfa Beat while last year’s RSA winner Bostons Angel could attempt to improve on a lacklustre effort in the Hennessy.