GOOD enough to finish fifth of 29 in that most competitive of events, the Triumph Hurdle, at Cheltenham last year, Gazalani has obviously been hard to train and has been off the track since June.
After missing an engagement at Navan in December, Gazalani is now due to run in the Kildare Maiden Hurdle at Naas this afternoon. On the face of it, this should be a simple challenge for him, but it must be remembered that he has shown all his best form on good ground, conditions he will certainly not encounter today. Still, it will be disappointing if he cannot outstay the Tramore runner-up, Mr Magget.
Crossfarnogue looked like causing a major upset when leading Danoli over the last fence here in November, but, not surprisingly, could not go with the Foley runner on the run-in. It was still a decent effort by the runner-up, but unfortunately when the re-match came at Leopardstown at Christmas, Crossfarongue fell in the lead just past halfway, so it is impossible to judge just if he had been flattered by his proximity to Danoli on that first occasion.
No Tag, who led until falling at the 10th fence when Danoli made his chasing debut at Clonmel in November, should give Crossfarnogue most to do in the Leinster Beginners Chase.
Royal Rosy jumped extremely well at Gowran and came home a most impressive winner. She now meets far more experienced opposition in the Saggart Novice Chase, but even over this additional half mile she may account for Bobbyjo and Le Ginno.
A falter at the first on her most recent start when favourite, Amme Enaek is better judged on her previous form when winning snugly at Down Royal. Twin Rainbow, Master McCartan and Beauchamp Grace are others worth noting in the Kill Handicap Chase but Amme Enaek is the selection.
Australian champion jockey Jamie Evans scored a shock success on the outsider of Martin Pipe's two runners in the Somerby Juvenile Novices' Hurdle at Leicester yesterday. Riding the unconsidered Font Romeu, he notched a five-length success at odds of 25-1, while stablemate Pomme Secret, the 11-10 favourite, trailed home in 15th place.
