Fairyhouse hosts the Irish Grand National on Monday, but there’s plenty of top-class racing throughout Sunday’s card too.
In the 15:40, a Grade 2 novices’ hurdle, Bryan Cooper opts for Nambour over Fire In Soul and Crest, the three runners for Gigginstown.
Nambour looks well held by Acapella Bourgeois after being beaten five lengths off level weights at Thurles on his previous start.
The re-opposing winner ran through the final flight that time and probably would have won by further had he not, though he’s penalised for that success and concedes 5lb this time around so a reversal is on the cards.
I prefer Ruby Walsh’s ride FIRE IN SOUL, as he’s one-from-one over hurdles and goes into the race very unexposed.
A glance at his breeding suggests he’s versatile ground-wise, and with his last start on heavy ground he could be anything on this better surface – there’s plenty of rain forecast though.
Ruby being on board is a big plus, whilst any runner for Willie Mullins demands respect and he’s nicely priced at 9/1; worth a bet then.
The favourite, Lift The Hatch, only ran last weekend and won well, but the quick turnaround might blunt his chance so he’s there to be shot at at the top of the market.
1pt win Fire In Soul @9/1 (Paddy Power), 15:40 Fairyhouse, Sunday
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