13:14 Thurles

Despite making a couple of mistakes KING FERDINAND proved too strong for his rivals to open his account over fences at just the second attempt. He looked well suited by this track and was in command up the run-in. The front pair pulled 5 lengths clear from the rest and they were well strung out in behind. He was well beaten at Galway when last seen but just didn’t jump well enough and in hindsight he did too much too soon that day. He remains unexposed as a stayer so going up to 3 miles for the first time over fences here should suit. He has been freshened up and I think as long as his jumping holds up there is plenty to like. Goodnightngodbless has struggled to show a great deal recently but as a result is becoming dangerously well handicapped so I’ll be keeping an eye on the market. Touch Of Oscar is on a lengthy losing run but did at least shape better when fourth at Tramore last time.

King Ferdinand - 1pt @ 9/2