Thedevilscoachman out to enhance Supreme claims in Listed race

2.00 Punchestown
I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle (Listed Race) | 2m½f | 4yo+ | RTV

This looks a lovely piece of placing from connections of Thedevilscoachman, who bids for a third win over hurdles after impressing at Navan 16 days ago.

The Noel Meade-trained five-year-old wasn't disgraced when showing his inexperience in fifth behind Appreciate It in Grade 1 company over Christmas, but posted a pretty taking effort when down in grade last time on testing ground.

"We're hoping he has a good chance," said Meade of Thedevilscoachman, who is priced between 14-1 and 25-1 for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

"He's had a couple of weeks between his races and seems to have come out of his Navan run well. The race conditions are suitable for him."

Uhtred: won a valuable Fairyhouse bumper on his debut back in April 2019Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Joseph O'Brien saddles Gigginstown-owned pair Fire Attack and Uhtred, the latter particularly interesting given his classy bumper form from 2019 but returning from a 427-day absence.

"Uhtred missed some time at a bad time of the year, but we're looking forward to seeing him back out again," said O'Brien.

"It's his first start for a while, so we'd be happy with a nice comeback from him. His best form is very good."

On Fire Attack, who finished second to Fakiera in Grade 3 company earlier this season, O'Brien said: "He's been a difficult ride and wears a hood for the first time. He's a good horse and if he gives himself a chance by settling, hopefully he'll run a nice race."

The Willie Mullins-trained Power Of Pause has some solid course form, including when third to Dreal Deal in Grade 2 company last time, and is proven over as far as 2m3½f on heavy ground.

Power Of Pause: winner at Punchestown on his penultimate startCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The champion trainer said: "He probably needs further but he's a course-and-distance winner, so we're letting him take his chance. The emphasis on stamina on the demanding ground will play to his strengths."

American raider French Light, trained by Keri Brion, shaped encouragingly on his Irish debut and steps up in class, although testing ground will not be ideal.

"He just got tired on the very testing ground at Clonmel, but we were very happy with him and I think he's come on from it," said rider Ger Galligan.

"It's a strong race and we're realistic, but I don't think he'll disgrace himself. He's probably the one I personally like most of all the horses that have come over from America."

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