Racing Irish previews and reportGround conditions at Down Royal could yet mean just a handful of runners line up for today's Grade One James Nicholson Champion Chase but one horse that should be okay on the going is Justified who can make only his second start at three miles a successful one.
Six horses were declared yesterday for the €140,000 feature but they don't include the double race winner Beef Or Salmon who will now make his first start of the season in the Betfair Cup at Haydock. "The ground is too quick for him, and for Hi Cloy. I intended to run both of them but I'm told it's good to firm and there's no point risking it," said trainer Michael Hourigan yesterday. "It's disappointing but I'd be even more disappointed if they got hurt. It's a lot easier to ask yourself why you didn't run, rather than why you did."
Hourigan's verdict on the ground, which is officially forecast to be good, won't be good news for the Dorset trainer Robert Alner whose mudlark, The Listener, has been in Ireland since Wednesday.
Alner reported yesterday that his assistant would walk the track and he added: "As long as it is good ground, he will run. I would be worried if it was good to firm and I'd reserve judgment in that case."
In contrast, Dusty Sheehy must be feeling quietly confident about his Grade One winner Justified after his impressive comeback on quick going at Gowran. Justified's sole start at three miles came in this race last year when third on soft ground and it will be a different test this time.
The other English declaration, Taranis, is having his first start at three miles but the Ryanair winner's best form is all on good or softer and maybe the conditions are turning against him too.
Just four line up for the Grade Three Killultagh Properties Chase but they are a high-class bunch including the Power Gold Cup winner One Cool Cookie. On the ground, however, and with a slight advantage on official figures, Knight Legend could be the best option.
Justified's rider, Paul Carberry, may have a very good day at Down Royal as Jaamid's comeback run on the flat behind Rocky's Choice at the Curragh should have put him right for the €65,000 handicap hurdle and the bumper winner Muirhead is an interesting contender for the opener.
Leopardstown hosts an extra flat fixture this afternoon and Michael Kinane could have a successful time with Mourilyan looking the logical answer to the nine-furlong conditions race.
However, the former champion jockey looks an interesting booking in the second division of the nine-furlong handicap for the Mick Murphy-trained Jubilant Note. The five-year-old is a versatile sort who has won over hurdles and over fences and conditions will be perfect for him today.
