RACING: Native Upmanship heads a cast of Cheltenham hopefuls at Naas tomorrow but Fairyhouse hosts its own series of festival trials this afternoon.
Power Elite punched his way to the front of the Triumph Hurdle market at Leopardstown a fortnight ago and significantly is brought out for another warm up in the Grade Three Juvenile.
Up against him is the consistent Top Strategy and the pair of them have to concede 9lb and more to the opposition. On these terms, an authoritative display by Power Elite in particular would create some real Cheltenham confidence.
The Grand National hope Alexander Banquet goes in the Bobbyjo Chase but with "yielding" ground forecast, this race looks good for Commanche Court to start winning again.
The former Irish National and Heineken Gold Cup winner and Gold Cup runner-up had his first start over fences in eight months behind Native Scout at Punchestown but this trip and this ground will be much more suitable.
The Foxhunters hope Shackleton is another likely to relish the drier going compared to Leopardstown a fortnight ago and the McManus colours also look set to score in the bumper.
New Field had a huge reputation before his long-awaited Leopardstown debut but could only manage a third to the English-trained Supreme Leisure. That effort looks a lot better though since Mr McAuley, runner-up that day, ran away with a bumper at Down Royal on Wednesday.
Native Upmanship's task looks straightforward in the Newlands Chase with the figures putting him 11lb clear of Native Scout.
At first glance the Johnstown Novice Hurdle appears much less so until one examines the balance of Newmill's form. Barry Geraghty's mount has to give weight away due to a Grade One penalty but since winning the Royal Bond he has been mixing it with the best around like Brave Inca and Mariah Rollins.
This two and a half mile trip should be ideal for Newmill who can complete a Grade race double for his rider.
Geraghty is on Jim who makes a quick reappearance in the Nas Na Riogh after being caught for finishing speed behind True Blue Victory at Navan six days ago. The half mile extra should be ideal for Jim who nevertheless will have his work cut out if The Galway Man can get his jumping sorted out.
Edward O'Grady has used tomorrow's bumper to further the careers of John Oliver and Pizarro in the last two years and the Punchestown winner According To Billy looks good for the hat-trick.
