Tombstone© Photo Healy Racing
Gordon Elliott looks set to have a profitable day at Fairyhouse today with several classy operators turning their hands to new tasks.
The Cullentra gives Tombstone his chasing debut in the opening two-mile beginners' event on the card and the Grade Three-winning hurdler looks an exciting prospect now that he tackles fences.
He was a smart performer over timber and had his finest day when claiming the Red Mills Trial Hurdle last February, beating Jezki decisively.
The Gigginstown gelding was also placed twice at Grade One level as a novice and has always been viewed as a long-term chasing prospect.
Setbacks have prevented him from tackling fences before now but he looks to have the potential to be a very high-level novice this season. Bamako Moriviere seeks compensation in the race after an agonising last-fence fall when well clear at Listowel.
He had been turned over a few times over fences previously, but had a similar rating to Tombstone over hurdles and with the chase experience under his belt, is a big threat. Capital Force went off favourite for that Listowel event but crashed out four from home. He is another who commands respect in a decent line-up.
Elliott also switches Shattered Love to chasing in the mares' beginners' chase and she looks a class apart from her rivals on hurdles form.
The Yeats mare, who also carries the Gigginstown colours, was herself a Grade Three winner last season but found Grade One company a bit hot at Cheltenham and Fairyhouse subsequently.
This looks a nice starting point for her over fences and, on hurdles ratings, she looks a cut above her rivals. Our Rachael is an interesting contender for Tony Martin later on the card as the mare tries her hand at jumping again in the two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle.
She has been successful on her last two outings on the Flat and appears on an attractive mark now back over timber.
The Karl Thornton-trained Manuka is another who could be on a lenient figure when he lines up in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase.
The Galileo gelding was disputing the lead when falling over hurdles at Bellewstown in late August and is now tried again over fences off an 11lb lower rating.
