TOUT VA BIEN HAS performed with a sufficient degree of promise over fences this year to make him a reasonably confident choice to take the Union Foods Distributor Beginners Chase at Sligo's opening meeting of the year this afternoon.
For instance, there was much to like about his run when second to Persian Halo at Fairyhouse in February. Although never posing a realistic threat to the winner, Tout Va Bien jumped well and a reproduction of that effort would probably be good enough here.
Aidan O'Brien runs Regal Grove, who wore blinkers in most of her outings last year including when runner-up to Cowanstown Lady at Limerick at Christmas. Wally's Run has numerous good performances to his credit in this type of contest, while Ask The Leader could go well on her chasing debut after a few useful runs over hurdles.
Lady Of Tara outclassed her field in a maiden hurdle over three miles at Ballinrobe and so there will be no stamina problems in the Smirnoff Handicap Hurdle. She will be pushed all the way, however, by the experienced Aegean Sunshine and River Unshion.
The combination of Michael Kinane and Dermot Weld may record a double with Tilbrook and Reem Fever. Tilbrook, who contests the Ballysodare Handicap, went down by a head to Lancaster House at Gowran and should again account for the third horse, Dillon's Taxi.
An absentee since May, Reem Fever, a Fairy King filly, returned to action at Lopardstown when fourth over the minimum trip to Courier. She finished well on that occasion and the extra two furlongs of the Strandhill Maiden should be to her liking.
