Gordon Elliott's relentless bid for trainers' championship glory continues at Tramore’s twilight meeting this evening.
Cause Of Causes pulled in a nice little £32,700 with his Aintree second on Saturday and while that doesn’t count towards his Irish tally, the trainer’s commitment to the home title is stronger than ever, as the season enters the final three weeks.
Elliott has six runners at Tramore, saddling two in the opening four-year-old maiden hurdle.
Leomar has proved expensive to follow this term, finishing second three times from his five starts, while former Tommy Stack inmate A Shin Impala wasn't without his supporters on his hurdling debut last time at when a rather disappointing sixth at Fairyhouse.
Papal Motel, a winner on fast ground over a mile-and-three-furlongs on the Flat, seems to have progressed in his hurdle runs and while he was beaten by Leomar at Christmas he finished nicely ahead of that rival at Gowran last time out and comes here a fresher horse.
Both were well held at Gowran behind Dandy Mag but the form of the race is solid, with the runner-up and fifth-placed horses winning since.
Leomar, rated 7lb superior to Papal Motel, has the more obvious claims and while he has proven frustrating to follow, is still likely to be difficult to beat in an average race.
Easy Gold makes his debut for Willie Mullins, having been transferred from Ed Walker in Britain.
He was no star in three starts last year but still showed ability over staying trips, will like the sound surface here and is sure to be ready for his debut hurdles run.
Bracklin Princess is limited but still likely to figure with all the allowances.
Elliott has two Gigginstown-owned horses in the older horses' maiden hurdle, with Broken Soul the choice of Bryan Cooper over Harden.
Both are exposed and Broken Soul is rated 127 but isn’t running to anything near that mark, while Harden is only a 102-rated performer.
Ciao Cielo could run well in this company, though, as he has placed on his last two starts over flights for Mark McNiff.
There need to be some improvers to make this any sort of a race.
Elliott could give Broughtons Star another run in the two-mile handicap hurdle just over 24 hours after his outing yesterday.
The 10-year-old drops back in distance now but was only beaten a couple of lengths by Ned’s Island yesterday.
Friday night’s Wexford winner Balinaboola will be tough opposition, even with his 6lb penalty, and the likes of Kiera Royale, Charle Brune and Ronava, make this a very open contest.
Elliott reunites with amateur jockey Jamie Codd, who partnered Cause Of Causes to finish second in the Grand National, when Presenting Julio lines up in the handicap chase.
A fair third at Downpatrick last time, he will have the likes of Wexford second Dr Waluigi and Soaring High, who has placed on his last two starts, breathing down his neck.
Ted Walsh will be bidding for further hunterchase glory as Jammin Masters goes for the the two-mile-five-furlong contest here.
Walsh has farmed races in this sphere with Foxrock this season and this Downpatrick second, to Clondaw Frisby, could prove a tough nut for prolific pointers Dimple and So Influential to deal with.
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Neville Ring
4.45 Leomar
5.15 Broken Soul
5.45 Ballinaboola
6.15 Fire On
6.45 Presenting Julio (Nap)
7.15 Dimple (Dbl)
7.45 Sharps Choice
Next Best
4.45 Bracklin Princess
5.15 Harden
5.45 Broughtons Star
6.15 Goodthynemilan
6.45 Dr Waluigi
7.15 Jammin Masters
7.45 Shakey Try
