THE Henry de Bromhead-trained Easy Fella can make a winning start over fences at Tipperary this evening.
The two-mile-seven beginners’ chase on the card has attracted some decent sorts for the time of year and this Yeats gelding looks the type to really blossom over the larger obstacles.
He was last seen finishing a fine second to High Class Hero in a hot novice hurdle at Thurles and that form looks very strong.
The winner was beaten just half a length in Grade One company at Punchestown last week by stablemate Dancing City.
Easy Fella should appreciate this nicer ground now and it looks a lovely starting point for him over the larger obstacles.
He won’t get it all his own way, however, with Prairie Dancer a smart horse in opposition.
Joseph O’Brien’s charge was pulled up when last seen at Cheltenham but is capable of much better than that.
He won the valuable November Handicap on the Flat last October and has been a good dual-purpose campaigner for connections.
The six-year-old was a well-beaten third on his sole previous try over fences, at Ballinrobe almost a year ago, and may not have the same scope for this game as the selection.
De Bromhead also looks to have a leading contender with New York Style in the second division of the mares’ maiden hurdle.
The Robin Des Champs mare was fourth in a strong contest won by Only By Night at Naas in December and this looks a significantly easier task now.
Owner JP McManus can also strike in the first leg of the race with Tiger Bay Queen.
Peter Fahey has always thought a lot of the Westerner mare but she has presumably had issues with her two bumper runs well spaced out.
She was impressive when scoring at Fairyhouse in April of last year and Fahey spoke about her in glowing terms when commenting on her jumping.
She was reportedly very impressive when winning a schooling hurdle around here in October 2022. Her fitness has to be taken on trust but she undoubtedly has an engine.
Another in the famous green and gold silks with a chance on the card is the Padraig Roche-trained Milk Market in the three-mile handicap.
The Flemensfirth gelding ran well when second to Killinure Lass in a competitive race at Bellewstown just over two weeks ago and a similar effort may be enough now.
