Paul Townend to put seal on successful week with Mozoltov

Paul Townend has had a memorable week in terms of picking up successful "spare" rides and Mozoltov can put a Grade One seal on it at Leopardstown tomorrow.

Not surprisingly Ruby Walsh has elected to ride Felix Yonger in the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase where Willie Mullins's horse will attempt to confirm November form with Defy Logic who will be ridden for the first time over fences by Tony McCoy. Mark Walsh did the steering when Defy Logic landed the Grade One highlight here on St Stephen's Day, burning off Champagne Fever and then holding off Trifolium with something to spare.

Gigginstown's new rider Bryan Cooper has chosen to ride Trifolium tomorrow, leaving the way open for Townend to steer Mozoltov who might not have a profile to match his rivals but left a big impression when winning his only start over fences at Fairyhouse.

He ran right away from one of today’s opponents, Mallowney, a winner since, and it was a long way back to the decent novice Mount Colah who got off the mark over fences at Thurles recently.

Expensive error
Townend landed last Sunday's Solerina Hurdle on a Walsh-discard and also scored in Thursday's Thyestes when On His Own proved an expensive error of judgment by the older man: Mozoltov can prove three's a charm – for Townend.

McCoy is the most famous racing product of Co Antrim and teams up with Gallant Tipp in the Grade Two novice hurdle. That horse might not be up to this level but Gilt Shadow can still provide an Antrim success.  Larne based Stuart Crawford is steadily building an impressive profile of winners but is in no doubt Gilt Shadow is his best, even on the back of a disappointing effort in the Royal Bond last month.

Gilt Shadow pulled way too hard off a slow pace and faded to eighth behind The Tullow Tank but shapes like a horse that will relish a step up to two and a half miles. There are some smart types against him here but Gilt Shadow, if he settles properly, can emerge best.