Key connections to follow on Sunday: 'Triple-pronged attack' as Mullins eyes 'another good day' The rain is interfering with the planned weekend action in Ireland and Saturday’s Fairyhouse fixture has fallen foul of the weather. That only leaves us with Naas on Sunday, but there’s plenty to look forward to, including a couple of intriguing Grade 3s. We’ve picked out an owner, trainer and jockey to follow across the card and it could be another good day for Willie Mullins, while top jockey Jack Kennedy has some good chances to further close the gap between himself and Darragh O’Keeffe at the top of the table. Owner - JP McManus It’s always worth keeping an eye on JP McManus, as he is Ireland’s biggest owner and has horses with most of the trainers across the country. He is set to have seven runners across the card and several of them have strong chances. Saratoga was trained by Aidan O’Brien on the Flat and he managed to win a 1m6f handicap at Listowel back in September. Having been gelded since, he made his first start over hurdles in a Punchestown maiden on New Years’ Eve and was a respectable third. Kel Histoire won a Cork maiden hurdle with plenty in hand last season and was far from disgraced when second behind stablemate Salvator Mundi in the Moscow Flyer. That horse has won a Grade 1 since, which suggests the form is rock-solid. Impressive Irish point-to-point winner Arcadian Emperor finished fourth in a 2m4f bumper on his debut under rules and there should be more to come over hurdles. Beyond Your Dreams has a bit to prove, however, having been disappointing since winning a maiden. Raglan Road, Goraibhmaithagat and Three In A Row all run in the concluding handicap chase and the latter is the most interesting, after being narrowly denied last time out. Trainer - Willie Mullins Willie Mullins is launching a triple-pronged attack on the opening maiden hurdle and Paul Townend rides hurdling debutant Mon Creuset, who won a bumper in France for previous connections. Moulin Labbe has a very similar profile and there isn’t much between them. The Limestone Lad Hurdle has been Mullins’ race in the last decade and he runs Karbau and Kel Histoire, both of whom should be closely considered. Did I Ask You That and Arcadian Emperor also have good chances in the next race. Rich Ricci’s Love Sign d’Aunou is an intriguing runner in the bumper, whilst Argento Bay looks like the one to beat in the Grade 3 novice chase. Jockey - Jack Kennedy Lynches Knock won an academy hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas and you would imagine that he’s likely to improve for the experience. Farren Glory was a smart novice hurdler a couple of seasons ago and might appreciate the return to hurdles. Newbrook Diamond has finished second or third in all three starts over hurdles and should be up to winning a maiden hurdle sooner rather than later. The Enabler was an impressive winner at Fairyhouse two starts ago and might be suited by the longer trip here.
