SEAN - Fairyhouse 4.30 Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final - 3 miles - 13 run - Heavy (Inner Track)

 

Olympic Man is the 5/2 favourite for Mullins , it has a Mullins favourites chance if you want a win saver, my niggle is its upped markedly in trip and not yet a natural jumper, although the slower pace might benefits its jumping deficiences going a yard slower in to the obstacles. 

 

Built by Ballymore was disappointing at Cheltenham and it's a fair ask for it to come here and perform to its best after that experience. Shannon Royale is progressive for Gordon Elliott but not his best chance in the race I feel. Kinturk Kalanisi was very impressive at Navan and makes handicap debut and has to be a danger. What Path the mullins second string may prefer better ground than this, Catos Revenge could run a place at best and I strongly suggest £1 e/w on the outsider of the field MOUSEY BROWN who is upped in Class but was a quite incredible winner at Down Royal when almost bought down early in the race and lost all momentum, was given a great ride and allowed to get back in to the race before storming home at 25/1. It has a P2P background so the step up in trip doesn't concern me and I quite fancy a big run here!

 

My main selections though in preference order are WILL DO notionally Elliot's second string but has been in some very decent races and not disgraced, showed clear ability with 2 emphatic Novice wins and this would seem easier than the last 2 runs. MINT BOY has a 3 mile P2P background and a Course and Distance win 77 days ago, I clearly think it's been kept for this race and a 12 lbs penalty is partly mitigated by a 5lbs claim. I hope the confidence and patience in waiting is rewarded. NATIVE SPEAKER is worth some shrapnel a 3 mile P2P winner , Ms Blackmore rides for her boss and although a slow and steady improver, at double figure odds, I can see this one finishing in the first 3-4 home and may be more to come too.

 

Tips (1) Will Do / (2) Mint Boy / (3s) Native Speaker - £1 e/w Mousey Brown