Monalee (David Mullins) in winning action at Punchestown© Photo Healy Racing
After the high-octane canine action at the national coursing meeting in Clonmel in recent days, equine fare returns to Powerstown Park on Thursday. The Grade Three Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle headlines a seven-race programme.
Henry de Bromhead and David Mullins are a trainer and jockey combination to have on your side right now, given their sparkling recent run of success. They combine in the feature with Monalee
The Milan six-year-old began his life like the great and recently ill-fated Many Clouds with breeder Aidan Aherne, at his Windward House Stud in County Cork.
Monalee first saw competitive action when triumphing in a point-to-point for handler Kevin O'Sullivan and his father-in-law Tom Fitzgerald at Templenacarriga in January 2016.
This fine big sort has come a long way in the interim, and it will be interesting to see how he fares now stepped up to three miles for the first time on the racecourse proper. He comes here on the back of a runner-up placing behind Albert Bartlett favourite Death Duty in the Grade Two Navan Novice Hurdle.
With an official rating of 139, Monalee is closely matched with a couple of his rivals. Rathnure Rebel and Turcagua are both assessed as being one pound his superior at 140.
Rathnure Rebel had his excuses when disappointing at Limerick last time, and the course winner is joined by another Gigginstown House Stud representative in the Gordon Elliott-trained Woods Well
Ruby Walsh prefers Turcagua of the Willie Mullins pair, but nobody will be too readily dismissing Battleford under Paul Townend either.
Smart bumper performer New To This Town will be equipped with a first-time tongue-strap. He bids for a maiden success over flights for Jessica Harrington.
Her daughter Kate said on the Ann and Alan Potts-owned, and Davy Russell-ridden potential improver: "He's come out of his last race well and we're hoping he might reproduce a bit of his bumper form from last year.
"He seems in very good form. We think the step-up in trip will make a big difference. He won both his bumpers on soft to heavy and he hasn't had that yet this year. Hopefully he'll get it here."
Elsewhere, Clarcam who has been busy of late, looks the obvious one for Gigginstown, Elliott and Jack Kennedy in the four-runner Micro Dog ID Chase.
Meanwhile Good Thyne Tara Fintara White Lilac and Pahaska are the names that principally catch the eye in the opening Kilsheelan Mares Maiden Hurdle.
