The national racing action moves onto Clonmel this Thursday (2.15 pm start) and King Johns Castle stands out in the featured Powerstown Chase.
A grey, the Arthur Moore-trained King Johns Castle posted one of his best ever efforts when chasing home Mister Top Notch on his most recent start in the €110, 000 Pierse Leopardstown Handicap Chase at Leopardstown on January 13th. Davy Fitzgerald’s Mister Top Notch of course then advertised this form by finishing a highly commendable fourth to The Listener in the Grade 1 Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leoparstown earlier this month and therefore it will come as a major surprise if King Johns Castle fails to regain the winning thread at the expense of Savitha.
High Fidelitay looks the part in the Lisronagh Novice Handicap Chase. This Presenting-sired gelding appeared to catch an above-average sort in The Halfway Bar when beaten three and a half lengths into second spot in a Fairyhouse beginners chase in mid-December. Purchased since then by Tony Mullins, High Fidelitay can make his first start in JP McManus’ familiar silks a winning one here by proving marginally superior to The Bosses Nephew.
Definitive Edge can further continue trainer Willie Mullins’ present domination of bumper races by landing the closing Kilsheelan INH Flat Race. Definitive Edge posted a hugely promising career debut by coming second to Joncol in a most-competitive bumper race at Thurles in late January. Ultimately beaten some eight lengths on that occasion, Definitive Edge can go one better here by disposing of winning point-to-pointer Paul Kristian.
Billy Harney’s Bohemian Lass can attain due reward for her consistency by disposing of Conclave in the Clonmel Mares Maiden Hurdle and Edward O’Grady’s dual bumper winner Rocco’s Hall may have most to fear from Annagh Lady in the Demense Maiden Hurdle.
Duers, a winner at Tramore on New Year’s Day, appears quite well treated in the Ballypatrick Handicap Hurdle and Paul Magnier’s charge is therefore marginally preferred to Almanayan whilst Berkerys Treasure and Caher Lass look set to dominate the Suir (Ladies) Handicap Hurdle.