Top Irish chasing prospects set for eyecatching clash in significant launchpad

Saturday: Gowran Park

Willie Mullins has claimed the Noreside Catering Irish EBF Beginners Chase (12.00) five times in the last decade with some extremely smart prospects and Minella Cocooner is tasked with following in their footsteps.

Don Poli, Bellshill, Laurina and Energumene are Mullins' most recent winners of the race and Minella Cocooner will make his chase debut after a productive novice hurdle campaign.

He claimed a Grade 1 at the Dublin Racing Festival before chasing home stablemate The Nice Guy at the Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals.

The six-year-old is the mount of Paul Townend, with the Mullins stable also represented by Classic Getaway and Whatdeawant.

However, the biggest danger of all could be the highly touted Journey With Me. He was declared to take on Kilcruit at Punchestown last week but was pulled out due to unsuitable ground. With conditions heavy at Gowran Park, he looks set to take his chance and Henry de Bromhead has been pleased with Robcour's six-year-old at home.

“He’s in good form and we’re hoping for a good run,” said De Bromhead. “It’s a competitive race but he’s been working well.”

The PRL Group Novice Hurdle (1.40) is another race with a classy roll of honour featuring Douvan and Sharjah.

The Mullins stable is again represented with French recruit Spanish Harlem, who will make his debut for the champion trainer after exchanging hands for €360,000 this summer.

However, the Gordon Elliott-trained Imagine is the likely favourite having won a bumper at Punchestown and a maiden hurdle at Wexford.

The Cullentra yard is in flying form with 34 winners in November, but Elliott knows it will take a good run to capture this competitive contest.

“He’s in good form and we’re happy with him. It’s a very hot race," said Elliott. “He’s definitely capable.”

Inothewayurthinkin kept on well to score on his debut in a Cork maiden hurdle three weeks ago and runs for Gavin Cromwell and JP McManus, with Mark Walsh set to take the ride again.

"He's lacking in experience given that he's only had one run", said Cromwell. "He was very green last time and he'd want to improve a lot to win a race like this."

The Mullins-trained mare Pink In The Park makes her hurdling debut against Kalanisi Star and Blackwater in the 2m maiden hurdle (2.15). She signed off last season with a stylish bumper success and is a 20-1 shot for the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Saturday's race previews:

1.20 Newbury: 'He's the ideal horse for it' - can Kapcorse strike again for Paul Nicholls?

1.55 Newbury: can West Balboa keep Walking On Air grounded in this competitive handicap?

2.10 Newcastle: 'I hope it's not a tactical affair' - Constitution Hill ready for Fighting Fifth

2.30 Newbury: is First Street the one? Nicky Henderson bids to enhance Gerry Feilden record

3.05 Newbury: 'He's come on a treat for the run' - key trainer quotes for 2022 Coral Gold Cup

3.25 Newcastle: L'Homme Presse the star turn in Rehearsal - analysis and key quotes

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