SUNDAY WEEKENDER

13:30 Fairyhouse As a general rule of thumb this would be the exact type of race I would usually avoid, that being said the hype surrounding Mengli Khan has been to such an extent that Cheltenham has been discussed in some circles for him. Rated 96 on the level if he manages to translate that ability to hurdling he should take some stopping here an probably have to win to back up the talk of a tilt at the Triumph. A Year To Remember wasn’t all that fancied on Debut (12/1 3rd) despite that he showed a lot of potential and he ought to improve. Ex Patriot is another former flat type who could make his mark over timber though he never tasted victory in that sphere and will surely find easier chances. Successor took  five attempts to win on the level for Aiden O’Brien and is another to make appeal, that appeal has to be slightly dampened by Geraghty’s preference for A Year To Remember but he still demands respect. A case for a few others could also be made but if Mengli Khan is to head to Cheltenham he really must go very well in this and is selected to account for these. MENGLI KHAN (WIN)

14:40 Kelso Fine Rightly was predictably found wanting when outclassed in the Lexus last time though the time before he probably found the trip far too sharp at Cork. Reading much into his victories in Grade3 company probably wouldn’t be too wise either as he looks to have been superbly placed, he has however won 5 from 11 chases and clearly has plenty of ability. Proven on the ground and with the trip being no issue he looks a very worthy favourite and is taken prove too classy for his opponents today, despite the welter burden. Spanish Fleet is very frustrating and he requires a massive leap of faith as he quite clearly lacks the class of a few of these, his featherweight makes him a very serious player however and he is respected. Bernardelli has a mind of his own and refused to race a few starts back. Most recently he disappointed at Newcastle though it is very interesting connections have once again placed the blinkers on him (won with 1st time ones last season) In the correct grade and unlikely to be perturbed by the trip he is another interesting challenger and his price offers value. Ash Park has yet to taste success over fences and he managed to unseat his jockey at Newcastle two starts back. Progressive over hurdles he is entitled to have a bit more improvement than some of these but todays fences require some jumping and there will be easier days. FINE RIGHTLY (WIN) – NAP

Written by Chris Connolly

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Daily NAP’s:

Rory Paddock – Teo Vivo (WIN) 14:10 Kelso