Is there another Grade 1 winner lurking on quality Fairyhouse card?

Sunday: Fairyhouse

Despite arguably not looking the strongest of races at the time, last year's Grade 2 Tom Quinlan Electrical Novice Hurdle (4.05) ended up proving quite a decent pointer for the future.

Talented winner Echoes In Rain went on to land a Punchestown festival Grade 1 on her next start, while runner-up MC Muldoon finished second in the Ascot Stakes before scoring at the Galway festival.

Third-placed Colonel Mustard has been placed in Graded company behind Jonbon and Sir Gerhard this season, as well as finishing third in the County Hurdle, while the fifth Master McShee won the Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase.

The Tide Turns: out to bounce back from disappointing run at the Cheltenham FestivalCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Sixth-placed Call Me Lyreen bagged the Liffey Handicap Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival and seventh-placed Thedevilscoachman was last seen landing the Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle.

No pressure then for this year's candidates, who are headed by recent Naas Grade 2 winner Flame Bearer.

A 6lb penalty may not be enough for third-placed Ha D'Or to reverse the form of their latest clash, but Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle disappointment The Tide Turns would be a live danger if back to his best getting weight all round.

Trainer Pat Doyle said: "Flame Bearer seems in equally as good form as he was before his last run. He's not slow and Jack [Doyle, rider] is of the opinion that he's a two-mile horse."

Willie Mullins is triple-handed in the 2m contest and impressive Naas maiden hurdle winner Hawai Game would be a fascinating contender if leaving behind a disappointing run in the Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle.

Hawai Game: looked a bright prospect when winning at Naas on his first run in IrelandCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, said: "He was very disappointing last time and nothing really came to light afterwards. We're hoping he can get back on track."

It's a quality card at Fairyhouse on Sunday, featuring two Grade 2s and two Listed contests.

Arctic Warrior bids to continue upward progress

McManus and Mullins are represented by the highest-rated runner in the Grade 2 awardsandgifts.ie Novice Hurdle (3.30) over 2m4f as Arctic Warrior attempts to follow up his Wexford handicap success.

Stablemate Berkshire Royal holds strong claims after an encouraging effort on his return from a break at Thurles last month, but strong-staying rivals Falcon Eight and Churchstonewarrior demand respect despite dropping in trip.

Berry said: "Arctic Warrior did it nicely the last day. He's got a bit more to do here but Willie seems happy with him."

Jeremys Flame is the standout name in the Listed BoyleSports Irish Grand National April 18th Mares Chase (2.20).

Seeking a third win in her last five starts, the 142-rated mare must show more than when delivering an underwhelming display as even-money favourite at Naas last month.

Trainer Gavin Cromwell said: "We thought it looked a good opportunity for her last time but we'll have to blame it on the heavy ground because it was quite deep. Hopefully it should be fine for her here."

Battling Bessie (purple and pink silks): aiming for Listed success after just being denied at the Dublin Racing FestivalCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Seven of the ten runners in the Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Total Enjoyment Mares Bumper (5.15) contested a Grade 2 mares' bumper at the Dublin Racing Festival and Battling Bessie fared best of those when narrowly denied in second.

Trainer Peter Fahey said: "It was a brilliant run and she was probably in front everywhere late on bar the line. She's been working really well and hopefully a reproduction of that run will put her bang there."

Dorans Weir, trained by Michael Hourigan, didn't run at the Dublin Racing Festival but chased home Albert Bartlett hero The Nice Guy when last seen in a December bumper.

Hourigan said: "It's probably a big ask for her but she seems well. We didn't really have anywhere else to go but we're looking forward to seeing her over hurdles next season."

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