There's a cracking day in prospect at Fairyhouse on Sunday, with some mouthwatering clashes that should establish some sort of pecking order for the rest of the season.
12.30pm Baroneracing Juvenile Hurdle
This looks something of a match. Stablemates A Wave Of The Sea and Cerberus have put up the two outstanding juvenile performances in Ireland this season. It's hard to separate them. At the prices, in receipt of weight, and with the possibility of a tactical edge Cerberus gets the nod.
Selection: Cerberus 7/4
1pm Baroneracing Royal Bond Hurdle
Soviet Pimpernel put up a massive career best in defeat at Cheltenham last time. Another step forward is expected here. Whether that will be enough to get past equine fortress Envoi Allen is another matter. Nevertheless, this strong travelling, slick jumper is an attractive each way proposition.
Selection: Soviet Pimpernel 12/1
1.30pm Baroneracing Drinmore Chase
Fakir D'oudairies ticks plenty of boxes here. He gets a handy weight for age allowance, looked to relish fences at Navan last time and promises to be suited by this step up in trip. Ronald Pump is greatly feared. He's improving all the time and produced an accurate display on chasing debut.
Selection: Fakir D'oudairies 7/4
2.05 pm Baroneracing Porterstown Handicap Chase
A trappy heat. Wrong Direction could prove the answer. He clearly hasn't proven easy to train. His seasonal bow resulted in a narrow defeat in Cork. That looked a hot hunters chase. It's possible he gets in here off a lenient mark. Out Sam heads the long list of possible alternatives.
Selection: Wrong Direction 9/1
2.40pm Baroneracing Hatton's Grace Hurdle
This year's Hatton's Grace Hurdle at @Fairyhouse is finely poised. Watch it live on @RTE2 and the @RTEplayer from 12.50pm on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/3P8SX4fM8u
— RTÉ Racing (@RTEracing) November 30, 2019
To err is equine, to forgive divine. That's the mantra Apple's Jade fans will be chanting pre-race. I'll be one of them. Her Navan comeback was poor. It does mean we're getting decent odds about her completing a four timer in this race. Hopefully returning to Fairyhouse will reinvigorate her. The mercurial Penhill wasn't easily passed over.
Selection: Apple's Jade 3/1
3.10pm Baroneracing Handicap Hurdle
Chosen Mate hasn't enjoyed much luck in his brief handicapping career. He's still a young horse and could prove ahead of his mark in time. With a bit of luck he will start on Sunday. The dangers are too numerous to mention.
Selection: Chosen Mate 11/1
3.40pm Royalhousedraw INH Flat Race
Ferny Hollow won a point to point by 15 lengths. He realised £300,000 as a result. He's now trained by Willie Mullins. A heady cocktail. A man would need plenty of imagination to oppose him. This man lacks such imagination.
Selection: Ferny Hollow 5/4
Watch live coverage from Fairyhouse on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player from 12.50pm.