Racing/Thurles preview: The Maclochlainn Ltd Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles has been a solo-show in recent years for Native Upmanship but the veteran's attempt at four in a row today could be foiled by Rathgar Beau.
A total of seven horses line up for the Grade Two feature including Central House who has been in prolific form this season with the feature being the Christmas Grade One at Leopardstown.
Central House beat the ill-fated Native Scout that day with Native Upmanship back in third, half a length ahead of Rathgar Beau who was an odds-on flop.
Considering that two and a half miles has always been Native Upmanship's optimum trip he should be in his element against the old rivals but the ratings tell only one story.
Rathgar Beau's 158 mark makes him the clear pick and significantly the three-time course winner has his regular rider, Shay Barry, back on board today.
Barry Geraghty is reunited with the 2003 Grand National winner Monty's Pass in his first chase of the season while the disappointing Nil Desperandum has Ruby Walsh back on board. But the figures make Rathgar Beau the winner.
Tony McCoy teams up with the Christy Roche-trained Adarma in the Grade Three Durkan Anaglogs Daughter Novice Chase and another eye-catching riding arrangement is Paul Carberry who gets on especially well with The Screamer.
Adarma was an odds-on failure at Gowran last month behind Another Dollar and the Roche team have been under something of a cloud since then. However, Adarma's previous winning form would make her the one to beat.
The JP McManus colours could also go close in the hunters chase with Enda Bolger's Good Step. Never Compromise is an obvious threat.
The Kop End is McCoy's ride in the conditions hurdle and on the ratings he looks the pick. However, there was a lot to like about the way Golden Exchange won his maiden at Limerick and a similarly slick display of jumping today will take him close.
