Elysian Plains one to note on hurdling bow Roscommon stages the first three-year-old hurdle of the season this evening, with 15 declared for this Railway Bar-sponsored contest. Elysian Plains was the best of them on the level and he is sure to prove popular with punters on his debut for Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown House Stud. Previously trained by Ger Lyons, and placed on his first four starts, the son of Elusive Pimpernel made the breakthrough at Fairyhouse last month and was subsequently claimed by Elliott. He has his first start over flights now and with Davy Russell booked to ride, a bold bid can be expected. Elliott and Russell team up with Osco Mosco in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase. This grey five-year-old has yet to finish worse than fifth in 13 starts to date and another good effort looks likely from her now on what will be her first try over fences. Camelia De Cotte is an obvious danger, with Paul Townend aboard this French-bred for Willie Mullins. Townend will be on Persian Wind in the Class Grass Handicap Hurdle and this chestnut looks a leading contender having finished second on his last three starts. About You, course and distance winner Floramar, the 10-year-old Ourmanmassini and Running In Heels are others for the shortlist. Eighteen are set to take part in the Paul Byron Shoes Maiden Hurdle, with Dinions and Gambling Mistress the stand-out names. Both were unlucky last time out, with Dinions falling at the final flight when looking set to score at Bellewstown. The Michael Holland Tyres Handicap Chase looks a wide-open affair, with Crack Of Thunder the most interesting on debut for Elliott. Yaha Fizz might be able to take the JF Hanley Beginners Chase, while Chasing Abbey, Just A Boy, My Sister Sarah and Villa Moura appear the ones to focus on in the concluding Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands INH Flat Race.
