RACING:WILLIE MULLINS is almost certain this weekend to break the €1 million prize money barrier for the season so far and tomorrow's Fairyhouse action could see the champion trainer provide more impressive statistical evidence.
Golden Silver is sure to be a heavy favourite in the four-runner Tote Pick Six Normans Grove Chase as the prolific winner is almost a stone clear of his rivals on official figures for the Grade Two prize.
Runner up to Big Zeb at Christmas, Golden Silver impressively won the Hilly Way over this course and distance before that and will relish these testing conditions. He is one of three declared starters from the Mullins team tomorrow and it would be no surprise if all three went home winners.
Sous Les Cieux makes his Irish debut in the two-and-a-half-mile maiden hurdle but is already a winner of one of five starts in his native France and should have no trouble with ground conditions.
Lovethehigherlaw carries Michael O’Leary’s colours in the bumper and the point-to-point winner looks one to check out.
Tomorrow’s main support event is the Listed mares novice hurdle where Our Girl Salley will be hard to beat as she tries to extend her prolific winning record. The Prunella Dobbs trained six-year-old overcame a far from ideal preparation to win impressively at Leopardstown, beating Shop Dj by three lengths, and surprising even her trainer with the manner of the success.
Snow at Dobbs’s Co Wicklow base had curtailed the work Our Girl Salley was able to do and yet she was still able to win easily for Barry Geraghty. With expected improvement, her opposition look to face a big task.
Beautiful Sound failed to justify favouritism in the Paddy Power Chase but Gordon Elliott could get some of those gamble funds back in tomorrow’s handicap chase.
Drive On Jim won over fences and flights at Limerick during Christmas and won so impressively over the smaller obstacles that a 12lb ratings hike may not stop him in the handicap hurdle.
The Hennessy Gold Cup holder Joncol is on course to defend his title at Leopardstown next month and will attempt to reverse Lexus Chase form with Pandorama from Christmas. Trainer Paul Nolan was happy with that run as Joncol’s preparation had been interrupted by the bad weather.
“Joncol is very well. We were delighted with his run. He’d had a few setbacks before so hopefully we’ll get a good clear run between now and the Hennessy,” said Nolan. “He has to improve to beat Pandorama and other good horses in there as well but we’re hoping we’ll have a fitter horse on Hennessy day and he’ll want to be.”
