5.20 2m. 7f. 180yds. 9 Declared. Irish Mirror Novice H'dle (Grade 1) of €125,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €75,000.00 2nd - €25,000.00 3rd - €12,500.00 4th - €6,250.00 5th - €3,750.00 6th - €2,500.00
FormscanBy Michael Graham - GAELIC WARRIOR has obvious claims for Willie Mullins. The five-year-old gelding is comfortably highest-rated in this field on a mark of 152. He won three consecutive hurdle races culminating in a Grade B handicap hurdle at Leopardstown in February. He then contested the Grade 1 Ballymore at last month's Cheltenham Festival, and did as well as he could in second behind a stablemate who is out of the top drawer. He had several previous Grade 1 winners in behind him. This step up in trip shouldn't pose an issue. Favori De Champdou disappointed in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham when racing keenly. He had landed three staying races before that, including a Grade 2, and could bounce back. Embassy Gardens was pulled up at Cheltenham, but has plenty of ability and shouldn't be disregarded. Affordale Fury ran some race for a 150/1 outsider when runner-up in the Albert Bartlett. He's certainly a factor on that run, but would prefer slower ground.
A novice hurdle for four years old and upwardsWeights - 4-y-o 11st 5-y-o and up 11st 10lbs Mares allowed 7lbs