Dont Tell Jack can thrive for step up in trip at Fairyhouse
Saturday's Fairyhouse meeting, which was lost to the weather, takes place on Tuesday afternoon and the nap goes to Dont Tell Jack, who can get off the mark over timber by taking the listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final.
Touched off on his only outing in a point-to-point, he finished fourth in a Navan maiden hurdle on his first inside the rails, and had very little go his way when seventh behind subsequent Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Kopek Des Bordes at the Christmas meeting in Leopardstown.
Third behind Ethical Diamond next time, he made his handicap debut last out at Naas and ran well enough to finish sixth behind Jump Allen. With that experience under his belt, and the step up to almost three miles sure to suit, the five-year-old can land the spoils for Joseph O'Brien and Mark Walsh and continue the fine Easter weekend for owner JP McManus.
Recent Tramore winner Fairyland Opera is worthy of respect, and with Willie Mullins taking all before him, Fishery Lane must be considered, even though he was pulled up in the Albert Bartlett when last seen.
Although the ground may be more testing than ideal for Kalix Delabarriere, he can continue his slow ascent up the grading ladder by taking the listed RYBO Handicap Hurdle.
Impressive when winning a Ballinrobe bumper on his only start of last season, Willie Mullins' horse was disappointing on his hurdling debut, in a Leopardstown maiden won by Kaid d'Authie, and was no match for Ballybow on his second outing over obstacles.
Third time up, however, he made a successful step forward, taking a Naas maiden from which there have already been three subsequent maiden hurdle winners. While he didn't do much in a hurry that day, this five-year-old work-in-progress remains full of potential and his initial mark of 125 makes him extremely appealing despite the competitive nature of this race.
The top of the market should dominate the listed Boylesports Mares' Handicap Chase, and Zenta is just preferred to Majestic Force. While the mares' beginners' chase she won at Fairyhouse didn't look the strongest of contests, she posted an impressive performance and looks just the type to progress. Her mark of 140 looks manageable and she can prove that little bit too good for Majestic Force.
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