All eyes across the sea It is Perth, Kempton and Fontwell for the Irish raiders cross-channel today and the first two into action at the latter venue when Capall Eile (Paul Gilligan and Tony McCoy) and Colonel Arthur (Shane Donohoe and Jack Doyle) do battle for the Hildon Beginners' Chase. Capall Eile heads the betting for his debut over the larger obstacles after a good effort at Plumpton four days ago. This front-runner should have a big chance if taking to this discipline over the two and a quarter mile distance. Meanwhile Colonel Arthur needs to bounce back from some below par efforts coming off a 222 day break. Half-an-hour later, Lady Hillingdon, also for Gilligan and McCoy, is an odds-on chance for the Louis Latour Novices' Hurdle. She made the journey from Craughwell worthwhile when scoring at this course 18 days ago and is now likely to face her stiffest challenge from Tim Vaughan's Walamo. Up at Perth, Mhilu is favourite for Gordon Elliott and Jason Maguire in the 2.50. However he faces a big threat from the first-timer over fences, Diablo, a point-to-point winner when with Graham McKeever at Farmacaffley. Interestingly he is from the family of Ollie Magern, a great stalwart of his trainer, Nigel Twiston Davies' yard. In the 3.20, The Shepherd, who landed quite a gamble last time, is the Capranny Stables representative, along with Russian War, who disappointed here yesterday. Talkin' Tough is current marginal favourite for this contest for Brian Hamilton and Robert Thornton. The Shepherd looks a nice prospect and could be hard to beat. The Williamson's McMurdo Sound, a half-brother to Monday's Ballinrobe winner, Baron De'l, is market-leader to give the Elliott team more to celebrate under young Keith Donoghue in the 4.20. He is joined by Aidan Howard's He's Cool (Robbie Dunne) and Seamus O'Farrell’s Annoy The Saints (Conor O'Farrell) in this handicap hurdle. Keith Donoghue also gets the leg-up from Elliott on Crock Crildrom in the 4.50 where the Farrell's have A Little Different and No More Prisoners (Jason McKeown), Aidan Howard has Soitoldyou (Robbie Dunne) and Eddie Cawley has Some Magic (Philip Enright). However they could all have to play second fiddle to the Twiston Davies' Strong Rebel (Paddy Brennan) if this grey produces his best. He won a point-to-point for Eoghan O'Grady and his veterinary surgeon father, Arthur, at Kildorrery in February 2008 before going on to win a bumper over this course. Plenty of interest will focus on de Bansha Man in the finale. Now with Nigel Twiston Davies and to be ridden by Paddy Brennan, this well-bred sort was second for Tom Keating at Templemore point-to-point back in April. The winner that day was Rif, belonging to Eddie Hales, who put up a smart performance to win six lengths. James Lambe has his only runner of the day in this bumper when he sends out The Grassy, who will be partnered by Robert Thornton. He won a three-runner 'point' narrowly at Kirkistown before being beaten as a well-supported favourite at Towcester back in May. It should be noted that this four-year-old is a half-brother to Pretty Polly Stakes winner, Polaire, from a family loaded with black-type. The other Irish runner is Mark Loughnane's Dealmaker Frank in the 6.00 at Kempton. Shane Kelly's mount has attracted some market-interest this morning and his trainer suggested in a stable tour back in August that "there should be a day in him."
