Hardy Bloke catches the eye on his return to chasing at Down Royal on Monday afternoon.
They don’t come much shrewder than Emmet Mullins and it was interesting to hear the Closutton handler mention this lad’s handicap mark over fences after he scored over timber at Wexford in late March.
His jumping left a lot to be desired that day when he kicked a few hurdles out of his way but the Rail Link gelding has an engine as he went on to win decisively.
The six-year-old wasn’t disgraced when sixth in a competitive handicap at Fairyhouse subsequently, running off a mark of 123 that day.
It’s no surprise to see him try to make the most of a 16lb lower mark now over the larger obstacles.
He’s a big horse and hopefully the larger obstacles will make him pay a bit more respect now.
The weights in the race are headed by the Henry de Bromhead-trained Whacker Clan and he could be a danger.
He was still travelling well enough in the lead when coming down two from home at Fairyhouse when last seen in October and is only a pound higher now.
Danny Gilligan is getting plenty of opportunities from Gordon Elliott at the moment and he could bag a couple of winners.
He takes 4lb off the back of The Mediator in the opening opportunity maiden hurdle and the Maxios gelding should appreciate the better ground in the two-miler.
It was a below-par effort on his most recent outing at Wexford in October in testing conditions. His previous two runs over hurdles were good and he won his bumper here, which is a plus.
Gilligan takes his full 7lb off the back of The Friday Man in the beginners chase and it looks a nice starting point for the Kayf Tara gelding over fences.
The six-year-old had some very solid novice form over hurdles, winning four of his six starts and finishing placed in the other two.
Most of that form was on nice ground and you can see why connections kick on over fences at this time of year.
GARY CARSONNEXT BEST
1.35: The Mediator (Dbl) Top Speed
2.10: Herculaneum Warm In Gorey
2.45: Paul Marvel Lieutenant Highway
3.20: The Friday Man Dreal Deal
3.55: Hardy Bloke (Nap) Whacker Clan
4.30: Focus Point Sizing Diamond
5.05: Tommies Call Ossie’s Lodge
