Fabulous Saga goes in search of hat-trick under Walsh

After 20-length victories on his last two starts, Fabulous Saga goes in search of the hat-trick in the Listed Dunraven Arms Hotel Novice Hurdle (2.15), in which he faces six rivals.

Successful at Ballinrobe and Listowel under Ruby Walsh, who maintains the ride, the five-year-old steps up in class and meets five previous hurdle winners in the 2m5f contest including stablemate Robin Des Foret, who is partnered by Paul Townend.

Willie Mullins, trainer of the pair, has sent out three winners of the event in recent years and said: "Robin Des Foret has shown plenty of stamina on decent ground, so a lot will depend on how he handles the testing conditions."

Burren Life, a ten-length winner on his hurdling debut at Roscommon last month, represents Gordon Elliott. He said: "He was impressive at Roscommon and while this is a step up in class, he has been in good form at home."

Mega returns

Winner of the Grade 1 Juvenile Hurdle as well as finishing second in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham last season, Mega Fortune appears to have a straightforward task on his return to action against just two rivals in the 2m2f conditions hurdle (1.45).

His trainer Gordon Elliott said: "Mega Fortune did very well last season and this race looked a nice starting off point for him. Hopefully he can win and get his season off on the right note. He seems in very good form."

A winning Plan

Some Plan, a three-time winner over fences, makes his first start of the season against three rivals in the 2m4f rated chase (3.55).

A fortunate winner of the Grade 1 Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Chase at Leopardstown in January, when he was left to finish alone after Royal Caviar fell at the final fence, Some Plan went on to finish sixth in both the Arkle and Ryanair Chase.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained nine-year-old is joined by stablemate Attribution, another three-time chase winner, and the trainer said: "They both seem in good form and this looked a suitable race for them."

Lieutenant Colonel, who won the Grade 1 Hatton's Grace Hurdle in 2014, represents Gordon Elliott who said: "Lieutenant Colonel won a chase last season but was very disappointing after that win. He has a lot to prove now."

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