Last year, Theatreworld used a success in Gowran's Red Mills Trial Hurdle as preparation for a gallant second place in the Champion Hurdle. Twelve months later, Istabraq's stable companion is again being aimed at the championship but this time his Gowran warm up looks like turning lukewarm.
Noble Thyne is one of only three opponents to Theatreworld, another being the likely favourite's stablemate Moscow Express, but in a contest that looks like turning into a fascinating tactical affair, Noble Thyne looks the one to be on.
Had Paddy Mullins' horse not run after his eye-catching third to Istabraq in the Irish Champion Hurdle, he would be at a far shorter price today but nevertheless it should pay to ignore his subsequent third to Amberleigh House in a Leopardstown handicap.
Carrying 12st that day on difficult ground was never going to be easy and it's not unknown for horses to run surprisingly well on returning from a long layoff and then disappoint on their next appearance. Noble Thyne should be nearer to his best today and at his best he is a formidably talented animal, the only one to ever beat Istabraq over hurdles.
Six go in the Red Mills Trial Chase including the Grand National hopes Go Go Gallant and Wylde Hide as well as the Cheltenham hopeful Anabatic. At these weights though the diminutive New Co looks to have a slight advantage.
There are some interesting newcomers in the opening juvenile maiden hurdle, none more so than Heritage. Winner of the King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot for John Gosden last summer, he was bought into Sue Bramall's yard for 120,000 Guineas at Newmarket and now makes his jumping debut. Another smart flat horse was Sirinndi, third in the Irish Cesarewitch, and while both may turn out to be very smart over flights, today it may pay to stick with the proven hurdles form of Olivers Island.
