Billaway can land a nice pot at Downpatrick again in the featured hunters chase on Friday night’s card.
Willie Mullins’ veteran campaigner took the same race 12 months ago and the extended three-and-a-half-mile trip really plays to his strengths.
He showed he still retains plenty of ability last season with big runs at Naas and Cheltenham.
The 12-year-old didn’t make much impression on his most recent start at Punchestown but wasn’t disgraced in finishing sixth to Its On The Line and this is an easier task now.
He stayed on stoutly up the hill when beating Vaucelet in this race last year and the test of stamina seems to suit him better than his old rival.
Vaucelet was actually just in front of the selection at Punchestown three weeks ago and comes here a fresher horse, having had a break before his run last time.
He hasn’t always been the strongest finisher in his races though and the hill here is a real challenge.
Private Ryan, a winner at Punchestown three weeks ago, is a potential improver in the field but has a bit to find with the big two in the race.
A couple of races earlier, Ceanndana appeals on his return to action in the restricted beginners’ chase.
Ross O’Sullivan’s charge was pulled up when last seen at Killarney in October with the softening ground then given as an excuse.
He’ll get nicer going now on his comeback run and this looks an ideal opportunity for him over fences.
The Leading Light gelding was third in a similar event over slightly shorter here last September and will appreciate this trip.
He had won over almost two-miles-six over timber here last July and there looks scope for plenty more improvement from him in this sphere.
In the opener, Big Stage can gain an overdue win after a sequence of four placed efforts.
The former point-to-point winner drops back in trip now after narrowly losing out here a fortnight ago.
He didn’t do much wrong that day and deserves to get his head in front now after some solid efforts.
His trainer Gordon Elliott may also be able to collect with Lucky Storm in the following handicap hurdle over the same extended two-mile-two trip.
The Lucky Speed mare had a couple of decent placed efforts in maiden company and ran well when third at Tipperary just over two weeks ago. A mark of 102 doesn’t look harsh on her handicap debut.
SELECTIONS
5.05 Big Stage
5.35 Lucky Storm
6.05 That’s About Right
6.35 Ceanndana (Dbl)
7.05 Sheephaven Flyer
7.35 Billaway (Nap)
8.05 Bigcitylights
