Cheltenham clues aplenty with Harrington double-handed in major qualifier

Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) | 3m | 4yo+ | RTV

This year's Punchestown Pertemps qualifier probably doesn't have the same potential to throw up another Mall Dini, Presenting Percy or Delta Work, but it does represent a final chance for some Irish festival hopefuls to qualify for the big one at Cheltenham.

The Gordon Elliott-trained Dallas Des Pictons tops the weights but has the advantage of in-form conditional Jordan Gainford's 7lb claim, but Jessica Harrington could have a major say with her duo of Wingin A Prayer and Lynwood Gold – both open to improvement as they step up to 3m for the first time.

Harrington always commands respect with her representatives in Pertemps qualifiers, having saddled Silver Sheen, Not Many Left and Jetson (twice) to win such races in the past decade.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained pair of Gabbys Cross and Milliner managed to sneak in towards the foot of the weights and rate as relatively unexposed performers who potentially have more to offer, while it would be no shock if Dermot Weld’s Dalton Highway played a role.

What they say

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Wingin A Prayer and Lynwood Gold
It looks an open race and they're both in good form. Wingin A Prayer has won at Punchestown before and Lynwood Gold is having his first start back after last year's Cesarewitch – hopefully he should stay the trip.

John McConnell, trainer of Some Neck
He's 12lb lower over hurdles than fences so we're hoping this might suit him in his preparation for Cheltenham. He obviously has the option of the Cross Country at the festival and if he were to qualify for the Pertemps Final we'd have a look at things afterwards, but we'll see how this goes first.

Eoghan O'Grady, trainer of Westerner Point
It would be great if he could run well enough to pick up some prize- money. He'll like the ground and trip.

Philip Fenton, trainer of Atlantic Shore
His lower mark over hurdles will be a help to him and I think the heavy ground is a big factor. I'm sure he'll be back over fences for the Leinster National afterwards.

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