Eddies Miracle the reigning champion point-to-pointer looks set to make his season return at Castletown-Geoghegan in the Novice Rider Open which attracted an entry of 25.
R1 – My Dream Boat 4YO Maiden
Colin Bowe has dominated this race in recent years winning it for the last three years running, and in GRADY HOLLOW he would have strong claims of continuing that run, as this close relation of the capable Pylonthepressure chased home Holymacapony on his debut at Kirkistown back in February. My Bad Lucy was not disgraced on his debut in the spring and could be a first runner as a handler for Rob James, whilst of the others with previous experience, there may not be a great deal separating both Aucunrisque and Green Vault.
R2 – My Dream Boat 5&6YO Mares Maiden
DAZZLING GLORY had put up a brave effort from the front at Oldcastle on her debut and looked to be booked for a promising second-placed finish before coming down at the final fence. A repeat of that opening promise would see her set the standard in this ahead of the Ballingarry runner-up Knockanora Lady and Gallopongray who was third at Necarne.
R3 – Compas Stallions Winner of Two
DIEGOS WAY gained a long overdue maiden success at Oldcastle and he could double up quite quickly in this, with Handy Headon perhaps offering the strongest of opposition if he was able to put a disappointing stable debut at Necarne last Saturday behind him. Big Leg Up and Three Loud Knocks are both last time out winners that have been absent for some time, whilst Dento Des Obeaux has won two of his last three races and got the better of a big field at Oldcastle and would have to be feared.
R4 – Tattersalls Ireland 5&6YO Geldings Maiden
COOTHILL could be the horse to provide Colin McKeever with his first winner of the new campaign as he finished third on his debut at Turtulla last Autumn where he finished in front of a subsequent winner. With improvement likely, he could be the one to follow on his belated return to action. Colin Bowe has a strong team in Pay The Piper and Tommys Oscar, who have both been knocking on the door for some time, whilst Out Of Exile is another to consider.
R5 – Starfield Stud Open – Novice Riders
The David Christie and Pat Doyle yards would seem to hold the key to this courtesy of some very talented performers that they have entered here. Preference goes to the reigning champion point-to-pointer EDDIES MIRACLE (pictured above) who could make his return to action having went through all of last season undefeated, including a victory over both his stablemate Marinero and Samanntom at Borris House in December. The latter was second in this race back in 2017 and also put up a huge effort behind the Grade 1 winner Uxizandre in the 2018 Barbour Cup at this venue to prove that he goes well here, whilst his stablemate Reigning Supreme won his last two outings of last season.
R6 – Compas Equine 6YO Maiden
MICHAELS PICK returned from a spell on the track by coming from behind and staying on well to finish second at Oldcastle a fortnight ago and that effort should leave him spot on for this. Houston Texas is another with recent placed form to draw on having finished second at Necarne last Saturday, whilst Kingston Hill, Loughhill and Slieve Donard are others with claims.
