Saturday preview: Cloudy Bays won't have had long to get over his Lexus Chase exertions, but tomorrow's feature at Tramore should still see the high-class chaser get 2005 off to a flying start.
The Charles Byrnes-trained star cut out much of the running on Tuesday and was still bang in contention at the third last when Beef Or Salmon and Best Mate kicked on.
Cloudy Bays showed typical resolution to keep going for fourth money, and his 156 rating really does scream out in the company he will be keeping in the Wilf Dooly Chase, despite the fact the track will hardly be ideal.
Nil Desperandum has been desperately disappointing this term, something that a trip to Windsor last time didn't change, and the likes of Satco Express and Bennie's Pride shouldn't be able to trouble Cloudy Bays if he is anywhere near his best.
The first race of the New Year will be the novice handicap hurdle, and anyone who saw Albertini trot up at Limerick over Christmas will want to be on nothing else.
Sadly, there will be no 25 to 1 around this time, but a 6lb penalty doesn't look nearly enough to stop Albertini, whose 10 length defeat of Paddys Girl was boosted by the latter's gutsy success on Wednesday.
Another one to look for at Tramore should be Coppet, who missed out on a Limerick race on Wednesday that was ultimately won well by Golden Exchange. The third contest tomorrow looks easier.
Noel Meade had a mixed holiday experience at Leopardstown but it could be an afternoon to enjoy for the champion trainer at Fairyhouse.
King Of Foxrock has some bumper form, such as a third to Only Vintage and Albert Mooney, that suggests he is the one in the first maiden hurdle, while Captain Sunshine is highly regarded and hard to oppose in the second.
Meade won a handicap chase on Wednesday with Carndale and runs both Nomadic and Sun Strand in the three mile handicap tomorrow.
Preference is for the latter, who ran a nice third to Star Storm at Punchestown in November and should be much more at home over this trip.
Market Mariner has had the misfortune to twice run into the prolific Killeaney, but looks to have a decent shout in the long distance handicap hurdle, while Pay It Forward has enough done already to suggest he can pick up the Beginners Chase.
