RACING: Limestone Lad might have skipped today's Bank Of Ireland Hurdle in favour of the AIG, but the Naas crowd will still have the famous red and green Bowe colours to contend with in today's feature. Brian O'Connor reports.
The talented but injury-prone Florida Coast made a stunning first start over hurdles at Fairyhouse last Sunday but is thrown into the deep end now.
He has to concede 3lb to the 144-rated Sacundai who was close to the top of the novice tree last season. Also in there is the Gold Cup hope Rince Ri, who has disappointed in his last two starts.
The Edward O'Grady horses appear to be coming back to form after a bout of sickness and Sacundai looks to hold excellent claims on the book.
The Grade Three novice chase over three miles will be a testing affair which looks right up The Premier Cat's street.
The extra distance will help The Premier Cat against his Limerick conqueror Intelligent and his jumping should really come into play over the trip too.
An extra distance should also play into the hands of Fota Island in the opening maiden. An excellent run at Leopardstown was followed by a second to Nil Desperandum over two miles last time at Navan.
There were some burned fingers at Leopardstown on Pierse Hurdle day when the well-backed favourite Rapid Deployment fell at the third in a three-mile handicap.
He goes in this afternoon's handicap hurdle as does the Leopardstown winner Keepatem who carries 17lb more today.
The value against both, however, could be GVA Ireland who was just caught on the line by Rare Ouzel over Christmas.
Mitchelstown found only Windswept Leader and Move Yourself too good at Gowran on Thursday and can also carry the Magnier colours to victory in the bumper.
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