RACING/Punchestown preview: Sky's The Limit has a name to live up to but the Edward O'Grady- trained grey can make it two from two in his new jumping career at Punchestown today.
Formerly trained on the Flat in France by Eric Libaud, Sky's The Limit warmed more than a few nostalgic hearts when making a successful Irish debut at Leopardstown over Christmas.
The very same colours worm by the legendary Golden Cygnet, those of the former senior steward Ray Rooney, were taken out and carried to an impressive five-length defeat of Maxxium on ground that was testing in the extreme.
Not unnaturally, O'Grady praised the attitude shown by Sky's The Limit and one firm were so impressed they slapped a 20 to 1 quote on the horse for the Triumph Hurdle.
Those claims will be tested this afternoon in the Grade Three Juvenile Hurdle where he faces proven Graded form in the shape of the topweight Stromstad, recent form in the shape of Thursday's winner Time On Your Side and the high-class Flat graduate Barati who was placed at Royal Ascot.
The latter made his debut in the Durkan race at Leopardstown over Christmas but exited at the third last behind Arch Rebel. Urban was a major disappointment in that race but should do significantly better now while Rolling Home represents the Arch Rebel team.
However, there was a lot to like about Sky's The Limit's debut and he does look a type to progress. Maybe today will be a significant progression towards Cheltenham.
Island Pride graduated straight from bumpers to chases and looks one to keep on the right side of after an ultra-smooth success at Thurles earlier in the month. Jonjo Walsh's horse has been raised 8lb in the ratings for a 12-length defeat of Indian Tom but that doesn't look overly harsh. He is in today's two-mile handicap chase and is taken to account for the course and distance winner Le Frere and Rare Ouzel who could appreciate a longer trip.
Kahuna's attempts to get off the mark over fences have become more and more frustrating but he could be worth one more go in the Beginners' Chase.
Dusty Sheehy's horse found Il De Boitron too good at Limerick over Christmas and before that had gone down by a narrow margin to Sandy Owen at Thurles. Nevertheless he still has a touch of class which can see him home this afternoon.
