‘SUPER Sunday’ at Tipperary really does have something for everyone with a Classic winner on show on the level and one of the most exciting horses to go novice chasing this season making his debut over fences.
Jet Setting bids to get back to winning ways in the Concorde Stakes and the Irish Guineas victor should prove a class act in the Group Three contest.
She takes a drop in grade now after fading on her return to action in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown three weeks ago.
The prospect of softer ground will suit much better and she can defy her Group One penalty against lesser rivals.
The obvious danger looks to be The Happy Prince, who has been totally transformed in recent months.
The Ballydoyle colt ran out a game winner in Group Three company over six at the Curragh last week and this extra furlong shouldn’t be a problem as he was narrowly denied in a Doncaster Group Two over seven a few weeks ago.
He hasn’t that much to find with Jet Setting at the weights here and, given his good form recently, he could make her work.
The feature event over jumps is the Grade Two Istabraq Hurdle and Ivan Grozny should prove hard to beat.
Willie Mullins’ charge was an impressive winner over course and distance in July and has won again since, taking a Flat race in fine style at Galway.
At the weights, Hargam comes out best as he gets 3lb from the selection and is rated a couple of pounds superior.
Nicky Henderson’s raider is having his first start since the Cheltenham Festival back in March, however, and may find Ivan Grozny a bit sharper at this point.
Mullins also looks to have the winning of the Grade Three novice hurdle on the card with Penhill.
He swept aside former stablemate Bel Sas when the pair met at Listowel and it should be a similar outcome now.
The chasing debut of Alpha Des Obeaux is another highlight on the card as Mouse Morris sends the classy stayer over fences.
The six-year-old found only the outstanding Thistlecrack too good in the World Hurdle last season but was undoubtedly among the leading three-mile hurdlers.
He has always looked the sort to come into his own over fences and is sure to go to post a short price in the Grade Three Like A Butterfly Novice Chase.
Westerner Lady has done nothing wrong this summer and is a good mare but she may just be facing a different class of animal now.
