Strength in numbers required to survive Royal Bond conundrum

A quality card at Fairyhouse looks a blend of banker contests and strength-in-numbers affairs, with the opener (12.30) more of the former as Espoir D’Allen bids to remain unbeaten over hurdles.

Take on Mengli Khan, who faces his toughest test to date, in the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle (1.00) with three – Le Richebourg, who could be anything after a profitable summer and the choice of Barry Geraghty, runaway Listowel winner Makitorix for Willie Mullins and the hugely exciting Red Jack.

Leaving out Gordon Elliott’s three runners could bolster potential dividends or sink the ship in the 2m Grade 1, but it should be business as usual for the trainer in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle (1.30) with Apple’s Jade taken to make it back-to-back wins in the race after a very pleasing comeback at Navan.