Slowmotion starts off for new connections Slowmotion represents the formidable combination of trainer Aidan O'Brien and owner JP McManus for the first time in the opening race at Limerick on Sunday. A winner at Auteuil back in the autumn, the daughter of Soldier Of Fortune changed hands for an undisclosed sum and the Limerick Racecourse Vets Hurdle looks a good opportunity for her to make a successful start for new connections. Edward O'Grady's Thurles winner Le Vagabond sets the standard, dropping in class after having his limitations exposed in Graded company the last twice. Ben Button will surely come good for Philip Rothwell in the Ryans Cleaning Maiden Hurdle. The six-year-old has been placed on three jumping starts under Rules and comes here fresh on his first start since finishing fourth behind Up For Review at Punchestown on New Year's Eve. Long-term absentee Brand Ambassador is an intriguing contender for the Irish Field Handicap Hurdle. Gordon Elliott's eight-year-old won at Navan and Gowran Park in the autumn of 2014, but has not been seen in competitive action since. He makes his comeback off a rating of 116 and the fact connections have persevered suggests they believe there is mileage in his mark. A 7lb hike might not be enough to stop John Carr's emphatic Naas winner Fergiethelegend following up in the Lyons Of Limerick Handicap Chase, while Exit Seven can get off the mark over fences in the Charleville Cheese Beginners Chase following a few confidence-boosting efforts over hurdles.
