IT looks like a good bumper for the time of year at Sligo on Sunday afternoon and Apple’s Of Bresil can prove the class act.
Barry Connell’s charge showed a good level of ability in stronger contests last season and should be up to winning a summer contest on his return.
This is a significant drop in class now considering he was third to the brilliant Ballyburn, albeit well-beaten, when last seen in a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown last Christmas.
On his previous outing, in a strong Navan bumper, he had gone down by a couple of heads when third to Springt De La Mare.
That form looks very good in the context of a summer bumper and he should prove hard to beat now.
The presence of a Willie Mullins-trained horse in opposition may leave him a backable price.
Chart Topper comes here off the back of a decent effort to finish third at Punchestown last month.
The Walk In The Park gelding is from a good family and is a full-brother to a decent mare in Pink In The Park.
Another horse that can’t be discounted is the James Fahey-trained Iamagetaway, who ran well in a couple of strong winter bumpers.
It definitely looks like an above average contest for the course but Apple’s Of Bresil could be a cut above these rivals.
Earlier on the card Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore can bag another winner with Bobbi Gin Tree in the five-year-old plus maiden hurdle.
The Kingston Hill mare ran a solid race when sixth in a stronger contest on her return at Downpatrick last month and looks up to landing a race of this standard now.
She has been handed a mark of 102 after her three outings over timber and running near that should be enough to take the spoils.
Gordon Elliot should collect a couple of times on the card.
Mordor is likely to be a short price in the opening maiden hurdle for four-year-olds.
The Roaring Lion gelding has been knocking on the door and won’t get many better opportunities.
In the mares’ handicap hurdle a couple of races later, Instant Tendance can strike again after an easy success at Kilbeggan last month.
She remains on the same mark of 118 back in handicap company now.
