Fine Article (centre) winning his bumper at Gowran Park© Photo Healy Racing
A cracking Saturday card at Fairyhouse gets under way at 11.55, with the maiden hurdle having been divided to form an eight-race card, and Fine Article holds strong claims in division two.
The Definite Article gelding is a half-brother to former Hennessy Gold Cup winner Joncol, and trainer Paul Nolan is hopeful he will progress into a stable star of the future.
A bumper winner at Gowran Park last term, and subsequently fourth to Shaneshill in the Champion Bumper at Punchestown, he beat all bar Killer Crow on his hurdling debut at Naas earlier this month.
"He ran nicely the last day. He jumped a bit novicey but hopefully he'll learn from it and he should run well. He's a half-brother to Joncol and all going well we should see the best of him when he goes over fences," said Nolan.
The Co. Wexford trainer is also represented by Behemoth in the Hire2k Handicap Hurdle. The Gigginstown-owned gelding scored in good style over fences at Tramore in August, and Nolan views this switch back to hurdles as a step towards priming him for the Christmas period.
"In fairness he jumps a fence very well but he got a few little setbacks after his last run. He's coming back nice and fresh, and hopefully he'll improve from this," said Nolan.
"He likes good ground but is only a five-year-old and could adapt to softer ground as he gets older. The going won't be too bad at Fairyhouse anyway as they are using fresh ground.
"He'll probably go back over fences after this and is entered in the Paddy Power Chase but whether he'll get into that off a mark of 119 I don't know. More than likely he's a bit low but there are other handicap chases he'll be entered in over Christmas."
The Tom Taaffe-trained Peoples Park was a real eyecatcher when staying on into fourth at Navan earlier this month and looks sure to be suited by this extra half-mile, while Zigger Zagger is another for the shortlist among a maximum field of 25.
The Boylesports Irish Grand National At Fairyhouse Beginners Chase sees the eagerly awaited switch to fences of Rule The World.
Mouse Morris' charge was runner-up to The New One in the 2013 Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle, and came back well from injury to win twice at Naas last term including the Grade Three Limestone Lad Hurdle. He will face tough opposition from the likes of Noble Emperor, Thunder And Roses and Busty Brown.
