RACING:IT MIGHT be St Patrick's Day at Cheltenham, but Dessie Hughes is thinking ahead to Liverpool in three weeks and thinking Grand National hope Vic Venturi can boost his big-race claims at Down Royal this afternoon.
The 2009 Becher Chase victor faces nine opponents in the conditions chase and has plenty in hand on official ratings on them all despite carrying topweight.
Fourth in the Bobbyjo Chase on his last start at Fairyhouse, Vic Venturi should be able to score here ahead of another crack at the National in which he was brought down at the 20th fence last year.
Ballymak carries first-time blinkers in the Beginners Chase and can finally get off the mark over fences, while Giant’s Quest should improve on his Leopardstown debut where he belied 33 to 1 odds to finish runner up to Caoloneoin.
No steeplechases means a reduced six-race card at Wexford, but Longliner can keep the home fires burning for local trainer Paul Nolan who runs Noble Prince in the Cheltenham opener.
Longliner managed fourth to Gamede at Naas on his previous start and even slight improvement on that should see him go close.
