Rufino bidding to follow up Tramore win off bottom weight

7.20 Ballinrobe
Breaffy House Resort Handicap Chase | 5yo+ | 2m1f | ATR

Denied a Punchestown festival win last Thursday when his Runyon Rattler was beaten a nose in a handicap hurdle, Philip Rothwell is hoping that Rufino can follow up his win at Tramore last month.

Rufino made all for a two and three-quarter length triumph at Tramore and races off bottom weight on Tuesday, with Danny Mullins on board for the first time.

Rothwell said on Monday: "Rufino won well last time and is in very good form.

"He wouldn't want the ground too quick, but Ballinrobe always do a good job watering so that shouldn't be an issue."

The Mooch, a winner over the trip at Leopardstown two seasons back, is versatile in terms of distance.

The nine-year-old's trainer Paul Nolan said: "He hasn't won since Leopardstown in January of last year but he's been placed a few times and we're hoping the Ballinrobe track will suit him better than Tramore, where he disappointed last time."

The Mooch: will be suited by the demands of BallinrobeCredit: Alain Barr

Killer Crow, who represents Gordon Elliott, is another who will be attempting to end a long losing run.

The trainer said: "He's been disappointing and it's a long time since he won, but he's always had ability and we're just hoping he might show a bit more this time."

The Tony Martin-trained Oighear Dubh, Enda Bolger's William Du Berlais, who is returning from a long absence, and the David Broad-trained Definite Earl, a course winner over hurdles, are all running in a handicap for the first time.

Heading the weights is the Arthur Moore-trained Gentleman Duke, a three-time chase winner over this trip and a course winner over hurdles, who is making his first appearance since last year's Punchestown festival.