An emphatic winner of a recognised trial for this event in February, FOUNTAIN HOUSE has continued to prosper and has outstanding claims in a race of this standard. He may be given most to do by his stablemate Eyes Off Annie who had plenty in hand when winning a recent hunter's chase at Cork. Asphalt Cowboy and Gale Force Jet are candidates for a place. [Alan Sweetman]
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2-10 in points; ran a fine race to finish 4l second to Fountain House on his rules' debut at Thurles in March; backed that up in adverse circumstances at Downpatrick, was still well off the pace three out and then his rider had to cope with a slipped saddle and a lost iron early on the long-run-in; horse and rider did well in the circumstances.
Has prospered since 33-1 runner-up behind useful banks performer Knockiel Synge in last year's Ladies' Cup avenged. that defeat at Lingstown in November and is now unbeaten in his last five starts in points following last month's odds-on Dromahane win; underlined his progress with an emphatic win in a maiden hunters' chase at Thurles last month.
Sole win under rules came at 25-1 in this race two years ago; inconsistent in handicap chases in a low grade, but capable of the odd good performance, such as when second at Ballinrobe last September and fourth at this venue in November; last of five finishers in this last season.
Modest form on the track but seems to be improving; has won twice in small-field points since fourth behind Asphalt Cowboy in a maiden hunters' chase at Downpatrick a month ago; goes well for Toni Quail who is in the hunt for a point-to-point title.
3-7 in point-to-points, latest success gained by 12l at Monksgrange in March on yielding to soft; unplaced favourite in a hunters' chase at Tramore on recent rules debut; cheekpieces added; trainer and rider combined to win this race last year.
1-8 in point-to-points, the win coming on his last start at Boulta in November, beating today's rival Cosmic Blizzard by one length; several sluggish jumps when tailed off in a hunters' chase at Downpatrick.
Has run four times, beaten 18l in fourth behind Fountain House on only completed start; trainer has won this twice (2013 and 2018) and rider is very capable, but he has a massive improvement to find.
0-21 under rules, placed six times; second on the first of two starts in points; booking of multiple champion point-to-point rider is the main positive.
2-5 in point-to-points, the wins coming on testing ground at this venue and Durrow last season; second at Oldcastle late last month after a 379-day break; showed the benefit of the run when winning a maiden hunters' chase at Cork 11 days ago; helps to give Ian McCarthy a strong hand.
