Scorpion takes handicap route

Sizing Scorpion a €250,000 purchase as a three-year-old at the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale in 2012, is of interest in the Powerstown Park Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel.

The five-year-old begins life in this sphere off a rating of just 88 and if Henry de Bromhead's charge is going to win races over obstacles, this surely represents his best chance thus far.

A half-brother to a three-time winner in Caheronaun, Sizing Scorpion now encounters an easier surface for the first time.

It is difficult to take positives from what the Ann and Alan Potts Partnership-owned gelding has managed in four racecourse starts and a point-to-point to date, but he has shown hints of ability in his last two outings.

Coming off a break now for a stable in form, against mainly exposed opponents, Sizing Scorpion is sure to be a popular choice.

De Bromhead had a noteworthy victory at Roscommon on Monday evening with the Roger Brookhouse-owned Sadler's Risk, and the Waterford-trainer sends out a second runner for the leading British owner when Domesday Book makes his debut in the Clonacody (C & G) Maiden Hurdle.

Like Sizing Scorpion, Andrew Lynch will take the reins on Domesday Book and the four-year-old is certainly interesting on paper as a half-brother to 2008 Chesham Stakes hero, Free Agent. Domesday Book, who was bred by The Queen, is a son of high-profile American-based stallion Street Cry.

Elsewhere on a night when ladies go free, plenty of eyes will no doubt focus on the fact that Ruby Walsh and Barry Geraghty both make the journey for two rides apiece.

Owner David Cornwall enjoyed some good days in the past, including with Ever Onward at the 2004 Punchestown Festival. Walsh will don his predominantly pink silks on Who's That for the Nire Valley Mares Handicap Hurdle and the addition of a hood and a tongue strap could well aid her cause.

Meanwhile Geraghty is on a couple for Edward O'Grady, namely Hell Cat Maggie and Reflet Ambre who both merit consideration.