12:10 Leicester

GARDENER (best price 9/2) put up a brave fight when trying to lead it out from the front over today’s C&D last time out and a repeat of a similar level of form should see Alex Hales hold every chance of going one place better.

Having his first outing for new connections, the son of Dragon Dancer set off a decent tempo at the Midland venue and it was only in the dying embers of the contest that the lack of an outing for the thick end of a year took its toll.

Whether he will improve significantly for the run only time will tell, but either way, he remains an interesting prospect in the short term before his true ability gets realised over fences.

Gardener - 1pt e/w

13:10 Leopardstown

VINA ARDANZA (BEST PRICE 16/1) takes a journey into the unknown trip-wise in this Pertemps Qualifier, but given the way Gordon Elliott’s inmate stayed on over 2m4f at Naas last month, a chance is taken on him excelling over further.

Good enough to finish third to Jonbon in a Grade 1 at Aintree last season, Gordon Elliott’s inmate had rather lost his way until showing much more sparkle at the Co Kildare venue 46 days ago and even though one swallow doesn’t necessarily make a summer, his performance still has to be viewed as a massive step in the right direction.

On what turned out to be a true test at the trip, the son of Califet only narrowly failed to get up after being some way behind on the run for home and on that evidence, you’d say he should be better suited by an even stiffer examination of his stamina.

Vina Ardanza - 0.5pts e/w

14:40 Limerick

A typically wide-open renewal of the Tim Duggan Memorial but it’s a race that often falls to a horse familiar with the surroundings of the Greenmount Park venue and the two that fit the bill this year are REBEL GOLD (BEST PRICE 15/2) and BRANDY HARBOUR (BEST PRICE 8/1).

The former has probably had this race in mind ever since finishing runner-up to Spyglass Hill twelve months ago and following two promising efforts so far this term, his preparations in his bid to go one better seems to be on track.

A never-nearer sixth in competitive handicap hurdle on his seasonal bow at Naas was backed up with an equally encouraging effort in a hot contest over fences last time out and considering the trip would have been on the short side for his latest encounter, his performance deserves upgrading.

Lower in the ratings than last year, a lover of heavy ground and today’s track, it’s hard to see Patrick Foley’s gelding not going well with a clear round.

The latter has struck up a really good partnership with Dairmuid Moloney on his last two starts and with seemingly quite a bit in favour of the eight-year-old, the hat trick bid has an excellent chance of being realised.

Relishing the conditions when a wide-margin winner over hurdles here a month ago, the son of Schiaparelli was equally impressive over fences at Thurles last time out and with both performances coming out well on the figures, there’s no reason why he can’t go well again over trip and ground that will suit.

Rebel Gold - 1pt e/w
Brandy Harbour - 1pt e/w