Mullins's kerb appeals

CHAMPION TRAINER Willie Mullins throws two darts at today’s Grade Two feature at Thurles, and Kerb Appeal could emerge best of…

CHAMPION TRAINER Willie Mullins throws two darts at today's Grade Two feature at Thurles, and Kerb Appeal could emerge best of them all, writes Brian O'Connor.

Ruby Walsh is on the other Mullins hope Quadrillon in the Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle, which leaves the Kerb Appeal ride to Paul Townend as the pair tackle some stiff opposition.

That includes Western Leader and the 140-rated Premier Victory, but there was a lot to like about the way Kerb Appeal broke his maiden at Navan and he can make a quick progression up the ranks.

Walsh should be on the mark in the opening maiden hurdle aboard the Tony Martin-trained Siberian Tiger, who makes his first appearance over jumps since finishing runner-up to Tilabay in the Lartige at Listowel.

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Andrew McNamara teams up with Galway-based trainer Pauline Gavin for a couple of good rides, including Ad Idem in the third maiden hurdle, and Benalma, who returns to hurdling in the two mile-six furlong handicap.

Benalma was pulled up in the Grand National Trial last time but won over hurdles at Navan before that and these conditions and this trip can see him defy an 8lb penalty.

Good Time Donie ran into a smart one in Flat Out last week, and this point-to-point winner can score for Adrian Maguire in the two mile maiden.

Octavin is a Willie Mullins newcomer in the concluding bumper, but he’ll have to be smart to cope with the Leopardstown runner-up Bubby Bruce.