'He seems in great form' - Grange Walk out for quick redemption for John Ryan

Pigsback.com Handicap Chase (Grade B) | 2m | 4yo+ | RTE2/RTV

Willie Mullins, Danny Mullins and the Roaringwater Syndicate look set for a major spring double here with Mt Leinster, but Grange Walk may well be the one to spoil the party.

It’s been ten years since John Ryan had a Punchestown festival winner, when Foildubh won under Paul Carberry in 2012, and the long wait may soon be over courtesy of Grange Walk.

When the pair locked horns at Fairyhouse 11 days ago, it looked like Mt Leinster was a sitting duck for Grange Walk to pick up between the third and second last, but the seven-year-old pecked on landing shooting Shane Fitzgerald from the plate, in a fall the rider labelled "a disaster."

Ryan has kept faith in the talented conditional, and with a 5lb swing in the weights, the drought may soon be over for the Tipperary handler. Sil Ver Klass is another who arrives here from that Fairyhouse encounter, but has six and a half lengths to find with Mt Leinster.

Henry de Bromhead runs four after the withdrawal of Zarkareva as he bids for a first win in the €50,000 event, spearheaded by handicap debutante Magic Daze. The six-year-old was sent off 12-1 for the Arkle but raced far too keenly and eventually ended up last of the eight finishers.

However, an opening mark of 135 could seriously underestimate the Robcour-owned mare given some of the company she has been keeping during her novice chasing campaign.

There was no shame in being beaten by Grand National hero Noble Yeats and Arkle runner-up Gabynako on her first start over fences at Galway in October and her 25-length rout at Cork next time out proved her class. Robbie Power, who steered Magic Daze to second in the mares' novice hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last season, is back on board.

Magic Daze: makes her handicap debutCredit: David Keane

Fellow Robcour horse Tiger Voice, as well as Ingleby Mackenzie finished well behind Grange Walk on St Stephen's Day and have not been seen since, with Arahecan completing the de Bromhead quartet.

The visitors took this last year when Sully D’oc AA landed the spoils for Anthony Honeyball, and they looked to have a major say when Global Citizen was declared, but the Ben Pauling's Grand Annual winner, having also missed out on Aintree's Red Rum Handicap Chase at the start of the month, endured a slight setback and will not travel.

Exit Poll, who was pulled up in Global Citizen's Grand Annual, does take his place though and is sure to appreciate a sounder surface at the head of the weights. Espion Du Chenet should benefit for the return to a right-handed track for Louise Lyons.

What they say

Danny Mullins, rider of Mt Leinster
Jumping probably won it for him at Fairyhouse, and a clear round again should have him bang there. He's up 6lb from the handicapper, it's a competitive race but he'll be involved.

Shane Fitzgerald, rider of Grange Walk
He was far from done with the last day when he came down. I hadn't gone for him yet but he always finds plenty off the bridle. He came out of the race well and I sat on him yesterday and he seems in great form.

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Magic Daze, Tiger Voice, Arahecan and Ingleby Mackenzie
Magic Daze seems in good form, we're very happy with her and she came out of Cheltenham well. Arahecan ran well at Cork, Tiger Voice and Ingleby Mackenzie are both in there too so we'll see how we go.

Louise Lyons, trainer of Espion Du Chenet
He disappointed at Aintree, but he's fit and well. He's had a bit of a break after Aintree but he's been fine and has not missed any work. He's had a brilliant season and he'll love the ground.

Tony Martin, trainer of Sil Ver Klass
He seems well and in good form. We won't know until we run whether he's fully over the exertions of Fairyhouse or not but he came out of the race very well and seems in good order.

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