Allaho is the star attraction at Thurles on Sunday afternoon as the dual Ryanair Chase winner bids to land the Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase for the third time.
The 10-year-old comes into the Grade Two contest, which he won in 2021 and 2022, off the back of a cracking run in the King George at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day.
He looked to have been gifted the win then with the departure of Shishkin two from home but was run down in the closing stages by Hewick in a dramatic finish.
His stamina just gave out late on and he can get another win under his belt now before heading back to try and win back his Ryanair crown at Cheltenham, having missed the 2023 Festival through injury.
The conditions of this race looks to suit Willie Mullins’ charge nicely as he gets a 4lb pull from main rival Envoi Allen, who also carries the colours of owners Cheveley Park Stud and won the Ryanair in Allaho’s absence last March.
Henry de Bromhead has kept his horse fresh after a cracking run to finish second to Gerri Colombe in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal back in November.
That looks the best course of action with the Muhtathir gelding who remains a top class performer.
It’s a strong field for the two-and-a-half-mile contest and Mullins has four of the six runners.
Capodanno ran well when third to runaway winner Galopin Des Champs in the Savills Chase last time and could pick up more prize-money.
It’s hard to oppose Allaho though, as he is clear best on ratings and has conditions to suit.
Mullins should have a very good day, with Hauturiere also appearing the one to beat in the preceding Grade Two contest for mares.
She was very good when scoring over a couple of furlongs further at Limerick over Christmas and dropping back slightly in trip doesn’t look a major concern.
Harmonya Maker disappointed behind her last time and while she’s talented she is also a bit wayward with her jumping.
Paul Townend also gets the leg up on High Class Hero in the two-mile-six novice hurdle on the card.
The Sulamani gelding is unbeaten since joining Mullins, with a bumper and three hurdle wins.
He is already prominent in the betting for the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and it would be a surprise if he got turned over now.
The Mullins horses are going to be short and one that may offer a bit more value is Battle Of Mirbat in the handicap chase on the card.
He finished off well when chasing home Percy Warner at Cork last time and looks capable of bagging a race of this standard despite creeping up a few pounds for his recent placed efforts.
SELECTIONS
12.30 Charlie Buckett
1.05 Hauturiere
1.35 Allaho (Nap)
2.10 Battle Of Mirbat (Dbl)
2.45 High Class Hero
3.20 Intent Approach
3.55 Ferns Lock
