After tumultuous amounts of rain we have arrived at day 1 of the DRF. We kick things off as we mean to go on with some Grade 1 company. They is a nice field for the Grade 1 novice hurdle where we have KAZANSKY, RISKAWAY and SANTO SOSPIR. Kazansky was impressive when scoring a grade 2 over Christmas and this is the natural progression forward with Jack Kennedy booked to ride. Riskaway might be a touch out of his depth here but we will know more about his future after with Danny booked to ride. Santo Sospir has really shone over hurdles and we have the exciting jockey booking of Sean Bowen.
The Grade 1 juvenile hurdle has thrown up some superstars in the past and we have a few nice horses. MANGE TOUT looks to be going from strength to strength and is the pick of Jack Kennedy. IMMEDIATE EFFECT was very impressive on his only start over hurdles to date and takes a very big leap forward here with Sean Bowen booked to ride. Finally BARBIZON has excuses for his run the last day so we hope he can improve and show his quick turn of foot with Danny booked to ride.
YEATS STAR has first time cheekpieces on and has returned from a quick freshener with Jordan Gainford on board. MINELLA SIXO has first time visor on as we try something new and is ridden by Kevin Sexton. SON OF ANARCHY looks to have got his act together now and comes here with a nice weight and Jack Kennedy in the saddle. WENDROCK returns and we claim off him with Josh Williamson taking away 5lbs. Finally rounding off the team is HE CAN’T DANCE he too has some first time head gear and has been a little unlucky so hopefully all can go his way with Danny booked to ride.
All eyes will be on the Arkle novice chase. It has boiled down to a three runner race which looks very very exciting. ROMEO is our charge but Kargese cannot be ignored. She beats us on hurdle form and has a mares allowance to boot. In our eyes Romeo is perfect so we are excited for the challenge fingers crossed it goes our way.
FIREFOX is our other runner who has a first time tongue tie. On ratings he has every chance and will have Sean Bowen in the saddle.
It’s all to play for in the Barberstown Castle handicap chase where we have JACOBS LADDER and GOLDEN JOY. Jacob’s Ladder has had a lovely season so far and is knocking on the door every time. He is the mount of Jack Kennedy. Golden Joy has been tricky to place but will wear first time visor here to help him along with Danny Gilligan booked to ride.
Finally to wrap up the day we have 4 in the bumper. BROADWAY TED did what was asked of him when winning the last day and will have Barry O’Neill in the saddle. CHARISMATIC KID is a new recruit and it is very much a case of “if you can’t beat them, buy them!” He was very impressive when he beat us the last day and Harry Swan is booked to ride. GENEROUS RISK has plenty of experience and is the post exposed of the bunch with Paddy Mullins booked to ride. WITH NOLIMIT was a winner the last day and shows plenty at home. He will be ridden by Decky Lavery.