Martello Tower can stand tall in Limerick

Mags Mullins can be the family pick in family-fest Grade three

Paul Townend on board On His Own returns to the parade ring after competing in the Lexus Steeplechase at the Leopardstown festival. Photograph: Cathal Noonan/Inpho.
Paul Townend on board On His Own returns to the parade ring after competing in the Lexus Steeplechase at the Leopardstown festival. Photograph: Cathal Noonan/Inpho.

Just three runners for a €31,500 Grade Three is a paltry turnout for Limerick's final day festival feature but if Martello Tower emerges best he will have some quality hoof-prints to follow in.

Faugheen beat half a dozen opponents in last year’s Cliona’s Foundation Novice Hurdle while another subsequent Cheltenham festival winner Weapon’s Amnesty, who won the race in 2008.

This renewal is like a Mullins-fest with Willie Mullins running both Outlander and another Gigginstown hope Measureofmydreams while the champion trainer's sister-in-law Mags Mullins runs the Barry Connell-owned Martello Tower.

The latter is a dual bumper and hurdles winner who crashed out in the “Monksfield” at Navan when still holding every chance at the second last and is proven at the three-mile trip.

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Outlander looks the pick of the Closutton pair, a triple-bumper who was impressive on his jumping debut at Fairyhouse. This is a step up in trip though and Martello Tower is a step up in quality.

Adrianna Des Mottes failed to make the most of a significant weight concession in Friday's Grade Two at Limerick but her stable companion Gitane Du Berlais looks set to do so in the mares' Beginners Chase.

Testing ground

A Grade Three-winning hurdler on testing ground last January, this will be her first appearance since a couple of runs at Auteuil during the summer but these conditions look much more suitable.

My Hometown won a point to point at Dromahane earlier this month and will be the focus of attention in the opening maiden hurdle while JP McManus's colours can also go close in the other Beginners Chase with the Aidan O'Brien-trained King Leon.

This one was beaten a long way by Mala Beach last time but a test of stamina looks just what is required for the five-year-old.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column