El Fabiolo, narrowly beaten by Jonbon at Aintree last spring, should make a winning start over fences in today’s Fairyhouse opener, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase.
Willie Mullins' lightly raced five-year-old, successful on his Irish debut at Tramore, missed Cheltenham and went straight into Grade 1 company at Aintree when going down by a neck to Nicky Henderson’s charge.
El Fabiolo went on to land a novice at the Punchestown Festival, beating stable-companion Ha D’or, my fancy on his chase debut for today’s NavanRacecourse.ie Rated Novice Chase.
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Reports of his schooling have been positive and, although facing Colonel Mustard and Highland Charge, it will be disappointing if he doesn’t deliver.
Runner-up the smart Comfort Zone on his debut in Navan, Gordon Elliott’s Jazzy Matty sets a decent standard in the Thanks To All Our Sponsors 3-Y-0 Maiden Hurdle.
In addition to the rescheduled Fairyhouse action, we have Dundalk’s final meeting of 2022 and an opportunity for Ronan McNally’s Dreal Deal, 2lb well-in under a mandatory penalty, to follow-up last week’s course win in the William Hill Play Responsibly Handicap despite dropping in trip.
Unsuited by the muddling pace when sixth to Ampeson last time, I’m expecting a much better effort from Eddie Lynam’s Rough Diamond in the Happy Christmas From All At Dundalk Handicap, in which his stable-companion and course specialist Marsa also has obvious claims.
Peter O’Hehir's tips for Fairyhouse
11.35.El Fabiolo (Nap)
12.05.Clonbury Bridge
12.37.Ha D’or
1.07.Jazzy Matty
1.37.Look Don’t Touch
2.07.Malton Grove
2.37.Cocoplum
3.07.Polly’s Fortune
Next Best
11.35.Highland Charge
12.05.Gallyhill
12.37.Hallowed Star
1.07.Komedy Kicks
1.37.Ballybawn Banter
2.07.Heyjoe De Kerser
2.37.Alfieri
3.07.Quinta
Double : El Fabiolo and Ha D’or.
O’Hehir’s Longshot : Broadford Publican (1.37.)
Peter O'Hehir's tips for Dundalk
4.15.No Speed Limit
4.45.Dancing Tango
5.15.Dreal Deal
5.45.Head Of State
6.15.Vadiana
6.45.Magnanimous Mehmus
7.15.Rough Diamond
7.45.The Bog Bank
Next Best
4.15.Hero Of The Hour
4.45.Engagement Ring
5.15.Riccardi Medici
5.45.Cyber Attack
6.15.Selador
6.45.Malacanne
7.15.Ampeson
7.45.Knocknakilla
Double : Dreal Deal and Rough Diamond.
O’Hehir’s Longshot : Law Lady (6.45.)
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