Pat Doyle: Kaiser Black should win if running to his rating

Directors Plate Novice Chase (Grade 3) | 2m4f, 5yo+ | RTV

Kaiser Black, runner-up to La Bague Au Roi in the Grade 1 Flogas Novice Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival last month, faces four rivals as he goes for a third win over fences after a career-best effort at Leopardstown.

The eight-year-old's trainer Pat Doyle said: "Kaiser Black is in great order. I couldn't be happier with him. He came out of Leopardstown in great shape and is nicely treated by the race conditions. He'll take beating if he runs to his rating."

Camelia De Cotte, who is five from six over fences, has achieved her chase wins in mares' races and runs here instead of taking up Cheltenham engagements.

Her trainer Willie Mullins, who is also represented by Robin Des Foret, said: "Camelia De Cotte is very consistent but she's facing a tough task taking on Kaiser Black who will be difficult to beat on the form he showed at Leopardstown. Robin Des Foret is coming back from a break and while he has plenty of experience it will be a tough task for him, too."

Jetz, an easy winner of the Grade 3 Flyingbolt Novice Chase at Navan eight days ago, represents Jessica Harrington while the Gordon Elliott-trained Monatomic, a faller on two of his last three starts, completes the line-up.

Chosen Mate: novice hurdler is being aimed at AintreeCredit: Patrick McCann

3.15 Naas
Irish Racing Writers Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle (Listed), | 2m, 4yo+ | RTV

Gordon Elliott has Aintree in mind for Chosen Mate, who carries a 10lb penalty for his win by a nose in a Grade 2 event over this course and distance two weeks ago.

Elliott said: "He has to give weight to the rest of them but he came out of his last race well and this race fits in nicely with Aintree in mind. We also run Retribution, who easily won his maiden but needs to show improvement for a race like this, and Thunder Down Under who will be making his hurdling debut."

Willie Mullins said of Mister Blue Sky, who makes his first appearance since easily landing a maiden on his hurdling debut at Wexford in October. "He had a setback after his win and while he jumped very well when he won, he lacks experience going into this sort of race."

Hearts Are Trumps brings handicap experience to the race while Advantage Point won a maiden over the course and trip last month.

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