Snugsborough Benny© Photo Healy Racing
Snugsborough Benny returns to action in the feature at Killarney this evening - the Laurels Handicap Hurdle.
The Liam Cusack-trained nine-year-old was a leading contender for the Irish National at Fairyhouse in April and he ran a fine race there to finish fourth.
He reverts to hurdles now for the first time since December and should give a good account of himself with Denis O’Regan in the saddle.
Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott and Gavin Cromwell are all double-handed in this ultra-competitive two-mile-six-furlong heat.
Handicap debutant Eclat Des Mottes is an interesting contender for Mullins, while Down Royal runner-up Static Jack is sure to have plenty of supporters on what will be just his second start for Cromwell.
Recent winners Roi De Dubai Goodnightngodbless and Macgiloney add further spice to the mix.
The opening contest on the card is the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race, with six declared for this good-quality contest.
The 99-rated Dunkirk Harbour sets the standard, but is unlikely to have an easy time of it. Manqoosh who won on debut at Gowran, could be anything, while Limerick victor Rhydwyn is sure to prove popular with punters.
The John Oxx-trained Manjeer is another leading contender, with Hillwalker and newcomer Teodora De Urbina completing the line-up.
John Murphy trains the latter and he saddles Tintoretto in the International Hotel Handicap.
Successful at Limerick on his penultimate start, the son of Lilbourne Lad was since a staying-on fifth behind Baladiya at the Curragh.
The four-year-old gelding appears to have solid claims in this wide-open affair with Atlas, Angels Minnie Haha and Procurator other leading hopes.
Shane Foley will be aboard Minnie Haha for his boss Jessica Harrington, and they again team-up with Calling Time in the Flesk Handicap.
Recently successful at Roscommon, it will come as little surprise if this daughter of Camelot manages to follow-up here. Doyen Bay also won last time out at Tramore and he lines-up in the Irish Examiner Handicap Hurdle, while Stowaway Sarah should be able to make her presence felt in the M.D. O’Shea’s Mares Maiden Hurdle. Star Adventure Snegurochka and Celine Soprano are the stand-out names in the concluding BetVictor Mares (Pro/Am) Flat Race.
