VALYSSA Monterg bids to put an inauspicious Irish debut behind her in the opening maiden hurdle at Tramore this afternoon.
The five-year-old landed three French bumpers and was heavily backed to make a winning start for Willie Mullins at Thurles. She disappointed badly at 4/9, finishing only third, beaten 22 lengths by Annamatopoeia.
That was the day at Thurles where most of the action was obscured by a mist. Valyssa Monterg wasn't particularly fluent and was struggling a long way out before staying on again after a mistake at the last. From what could be seen, she just looked slow and might be worth opposing around this tight track.
Mystic Lass and Silver Sally are a pair which may put up a strong defence and both get 8lb here from Valyssa Monterg.
Silver Sally's Thurles second behind Mandasini was a reasonable effort, as indeed was Mystic Lass's effort when beaten two-and-a-half-lengths by Oscar Invitation at Clonmel but you need to forget her subsequent running when sixth behind Love On Top in a Gowran handicap.
Silver Sally gets the nod. The two-mile-five-furlong maiden hurdle is a poor enough contest at first glance and doesn't improve with further perusal.
Speed Demon has raced in better company than he encounters here, and his runs behind Sheamus at Fairyhouse and previously in the Down Royal bumper won by Ebazziyr in November would suffice.
Cappacurry Zak was second here in April behind Subtle Ben and has the assistance of Ruby Walsh. He's the danger.
The powerful Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown House Stud partnership have leading claims with Altieplex, who is bringing smart form to the lady riders' bumper after his Punchestown maiden hurdle second to Alpha Des Obeaux.
Nina Carberry's mount performed well on that occasion and a repeat should give him a live chance.
Company Coming sees Jim Culloty and Davy Russell teaming up in the beginners' chase which is confined to those horses rated 109 or less. Marmalade Skies is the one to beat.
Runner-up behind The Doorman at Thurles on his first outing over racecourse fences, Company Coming should be up to the task.
Mini Vic is getting on but is still a contender in the two-mile-five-furlong handicap hurdle.
Liz Doyle's mare will be 11 on New Year's Day but ran well when finishing a creditable sixth in a competitive affair at Navan behind Pencilhimin. The course and distance winner faces stiff opposition from recent scorer The Bold Beckey.
The Waterford & Tramore Directors Handicap Chase is a difficult puzzle but nothing makes greater appeal than Danny Benson's mount Mallards In Flight.
She comes here on the back of a couple of fair efforts over hurdles including a Navan second behind Gallant Oscar.
Wexford winner Halls Bridge shot up 9lb for that success and a bigger threat might be Betterthanalright, not disgraced in better company at Naas behind Sir Harry Cash.