Gavin Cromwell introduces an intriguing French recruit in the opener at Tramore today and Ivar The Boneless won’t need to be any star to make a winning return to his homeland.
The Soldier Of Fortune gelding was born in Ireland but campaigned in France a couple of years back when making three starts over jumps.
He was fourth over hurdles and fences and the latter of those was a nice effort at Pau in December 2021.
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It’s a slight worry that he hasn’t seen the track since but Cromwell has his string in fine form as the national hunt season swings into gear and he is sure to be well prepped for his return.
This race looks an ideal starting point as it is restricted to horses that have run at least three times and have not finished in the first three.
He was involved in a good finish when last seen and has definitely gotten much closer to the business end of a race than the rivals he faces now.
Obviously there could be a few improvers in the field now that they drop in grade and the Gordon Elliott-trained Farewellchancer commands respect with Jack Kennedy taking the mount.
Course form is always a bonus around here and Port Rashid may be able to strike back at the seaside venue in the following handicap over the same two mile trip.
He won over this distance here earlier in his career and has also struck over fences at the track.
The 12-year-old is fairly versatile as regards distance and dropping back here after a good run to finish second over two-miles-six at Ballinrobe last time wouldn’t be a major concern.
Another previous course and distance winner that might be worth supporting is Mater Matuta in the handicap chase, run over just shy of two miles.
Eamonn Delany’s charge has been running consistently over the summer and was second over fences here back in June.
She comes into the race off the back of a good run on the beach at Laytown and shouldn’t be far away in this company.
It’s hard to oppose Willie Mullins in bumpers but the Liz Doyle-trained Cappucino makes plenty of appeal in the finale today.
He ran in some strong bumpers earlier in the year and was last seen finishing fourth in a Listed contest at Limerick in March.
SELECTIONNEXT BEST
2.00: Ivar The Boneless (Nap) Farewellchancer
2.35: Port Rashid Bite That
3.10: Silent Approach Four Clean Aces
3.45: Paidi's Passion Como Park
4.20: Mater Matuta Ardamir
4.55: Hutchie Carrig Carol
5.25: Cappucino (Dbl) Where's Nanny
