Teelin returns at Thurles Thurles on Sunday presents the opportunity for at least two horses to put their names up in lights again. First into the fray is Teelin Star in the opening Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase. We have not seen this fellow since he fell at Clonmel over two years back and he now begins for the Liz Doyle yard on his handicap debut. The imposing Beneficial gelding has not come up to expectations on the racecourse proper, despite landing a bumper at the Listowel Festival in 2012. High hopes for Teelin Star were fuelled by the manner of two highly impressive all-the-way victories in point-to-points in March of 2012. Doubtless connections will now be content to see their charge back in action and displaying something approaching his best. Movements in the market for Donagh Meyler's mount could be revealing. Last year's winner of this contest, Black Zero, is probably a safer option, while De Benno is another worthy of strong consideration. A second runner that seemed to have the world at their feet when graduating from the point-to-point fields was Desoto County. In common with Teelin Star he has his initial attempt for a new yard when he goes for Gordon Elliott in the Horse & Jockey Hotel Handicap Hurdle. Very well thought of in his days 'between the flags' for Colin Bowe, Desoto County did plenty right for Paul and Clare Rooney when under Donald McCain's stewardship over the water. For the red-hot Elliott and Jack Kennedy combination, the Hernando grey, three times a winner for McCain, will likely have many followers in the market. With a tongue-strap now deployed, Desoto County is taken to beat Cliffside Park and company. Elliott could also get among the winners with Myztique in the Gift Horse Gallery Horse & Jockey Hotel Mares Maiden Hurdle. Monbeg Rose, Danali and Miss Mardan are others for the short-list here. Meanwhile, the David O'Halloran Memorial Rated Novice Hurdle is possibly best left to that admirable course-winning mare Perfect Woman.
