THE two beginners' chases look interesting contests from a punting point of view at Tramore this evening.
In the two-miler there's an opportunity for Steps To Freedom to shrug off the reputation he has earned as a bit of a 'dodge-pot' thanks to some less inspired finishing efforts.
Odds-on at Punchestown a fortnight ago, he found himself outbattled by howwoulduno and went under by half-a-length. He was outclassed totally at the Festival meeting there by Jezki and hurricane Fly and this represents a real tumble in class.
Aleichi Inois could be a sort of threat if primed for this chase debut over a trip that looks much too sharp for him.
Steps To Freedom has the experience now, but he hasn't won since his two successes at Dundalk, in February of 2013 and previously in July of 2012. The up-and-down nature of this switchback, turning track might keep him interested.
The two-mile-six-furlong beginners' chase is of a lower standard, for horses rated 109 or less over hurdles.
Noel Meade's Bose Ikard is of major interest here with express Du Berlais and Tico next best. Bouncing Betty found things happening too quickly for her at Kilbeggan in a handicap chase, but may be a different proposition here. Bose Ikard should get through this.
Ashjar needs to tidy up his jumping a bit, and if he does that he has to be right on the premises in the opening maiden hurdle for Willie Mullins.
Local trainer henry de Bromhead continues to have his team in good form, but his two runners here aren't inspiring. Enjoy Responsibly is proving expensive to follow. A quick ground point-to-point scorer, he ran second to Davinia's Tip here on New Year's Day, finishing in front of honey Pound on that occasion.
Jessica harrington's string have proved profitable to follow for the past while and though Overcall has an absence to overcome he can't be discounted. Ashjar might be hard to beat.
Trazar is one from one at Tramore and he is now tried in blinkers in the two-mile handicap hurdle having sported cheekpieces before.
Kalico Kalista wore a tongue-strap when fourth at Clonmel recently behind Roisin Dubh and now blinkers are added to the mix. She has shown previous ability to handle this track.
Royal Shot was third here last month and if you can forgive a pulled-up effort at Tipperary when upped in distance on slower ground a fortnight ago, he has to be a player.
Well Tuned might give the weight away to the likes of Glenteeneasigh and Stoney in the two-mile-five-furlong maiden hurdle, while lake Nova might appreciate good ground in the handicap hurdle over the same trip.