The highly-touted Sarsfield The Man will be the centre of many people's attention when making his jumping debut in the Goosander Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse tomorrow, but although Liam Browne's horse has impressed in winning two bumpers, Scarvagh looks a better option to win.
Scarvagh, a half brother to Dorans Pride, was involved in one of the finishes of the year so far when just touched off by Cliffs Of Dooneen and an inspired Richard Dunwoody at Naas two weeks ago.
Scarvagh actually started favourite for that event on the strength of an easy Limerick bumper success, a big home reputation and a pedigree that screams stamina on soft ground. All those pluses still exist, and with that Naas experience sure to stand to him, Scarvagh can overturn Sarsfield The Man, who looks set to start favourite.
Already, Cheltenham and the SunAlliance Hurdle has been mentioned for Sarsfield The Man, who won at Naas a year ago and returned to the track at Leopardstown over Christmas to land the odds from Torvill in another bumper. Undoubtedly smart, Richard Dunwoody's mount still faces a difficult introduction today, and with Scarvagh against him, it could be too difficult for him to win.
Scarvagh's rider Paul Hourigan could go on to complete a double with Runabout in the Teal Handicap Hurdle. This horse doesn't like to hit the front too soon and Hourigan has organised him to good effect to win at Tipperary and Cork this season. On this soft ground and with a similarly patient ride, Runabout can go in again.
Doneraile, Co Cork, trainer John Joe Walsh has had a fine season with his string so far. Shuil Na Mhuire has her chance at Naas today, and it would be no surprise if Waterloo King completed a weekend handicap chase double for Walsh and rider Joe Casey.
When easily beating Teal Bridge and Maries Polly at Thurles, Waterloo King showed that stamina and jumping are his strong points, and the premium will be on both tomorrow.
Although the topweight in the Widgeon Hunters Chase, it will be a surprise if Stay In Touch cannot win, while in the bumper, Torvill's form when second to Sarsfield The Man will make him a hard nut for the newcomer, Hotel Tuskar, to crack. Raheen River has won so well at Navan and Clonmel that it appears folly to desert her in the mares' novice chase; while Back To The Nest may just get the better of Sarcastic in the opener.
Sheikh Mohammed and Hamdan Al Maktoum have given the thumbs up to the British Horseracing Board's newly-unveiled financial plan.
They have urged the BHB to put the plan to the government "as soon as possible".
But Sheikh Mohammed repeated his threat that his family will quit racing in Britain if a "fairer" financial structure is not introduced.
Sheikh Hamdan has already delivered one blow on British racing yesterday with his decision to move Middle Park Stakes winner Hayil and 11 other ex-David Morley horses to be trained in France.
