Willie Mullins can continue his recent Scottish dominance when Loughglynn aims for victory in the British EBF Gold Castle ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle at Perth on Wednesday afternoon.
Mullins is bidding to become the first Irish trainer to win the British jump trainers’ crown since the great Vincent O’Brien did it in successive years in the 1950s.
The Closutton powerhouse had a four-timer at Ayr on Saturday to maintain his assault at the top of the leaderboard, mainly thanks to Macdermott’s success in the Coral Scottish Grand National.
He travels further north today as Loughglynn hopes to improve on his third in a Group Two at Fairyhouse in March.
Sounds Russian should be prominent for Ruth Jefferson, with Brian Hughes on board in the six-horse contest over three miles, but the Irish raider is preferred.
Instit could make it a swift Listed race double for Mullins in the Robertson Homes Fair Maid Of Perth Mares’ Chase.
The six-year-old has not been in the winner’s enclosure for more than a year, but has been knocking on the door this season, including a good second at Fairyhouse last month.
She faces tough opposition in the six-horse field, with Gordon Elliott’s charge Riviere D’etel, Malina Girl for Gavin Cromwell and Juniper – trained by Anthony Honeyball –all battling for victory, while Apple Away and Aubis Walk complete the line-up.
Sword Of Fate is aiming to go one better than last year’s second when returning for the Phil Nelson Capercaillie Handicap Chase.
Returning to the venue of his last victory in August, the Leonard Kerr-trained 11-year-old should feel at home over two miles at Britain’s northernmost track.
At Uttoxeter, Hudson De Grugy should benefit from a recent third as he lines up for the Carlsberg Marston’s Handicap Chase.
Gary Moore’s charge finished three lengths behind Jet Plane, who went on to win again by 12 lengths at Market Rasen earlier this month before pulling up at Ayr on Saturday.
The Ayr race came too soon for Jet Plane, but Hudson De Grugy should be refreshed by a 46-day break and that subsequent form means he could get his nose in front this time round.
Flash Gorcombe is chasing a hat-trick of victories in just four weeks in the Nightjar Handicap Chase at Ludlow.
Robert Walford’s seven-year-old eased to a seven-length triumph at Hereford on March 27 before pipping Western General by a nose at Taunton on April 11, despite moving up in class.
Henry Oliver hopes jockey David Noonan can inspire success for Jessie Lightfoot on his debut run for the stable in the Charles Clark Memorial Handicap Chase.
IRISH NEWS YANKEE
NAP
Loughglynn (2.55 Perth)
DOUBLE
Instit (3.25 Perth)
TREBLE
Sword Of Fate (3.55 Perth)
YANKEE
Hudson De Grugy (5.35 Uttoxeter)
