Festival sighters

Whilst many of Sunday’s headlines focused on this year’s renewal of one of the most valuable and fiercely contested handicaps of the season, the Pierse Hurdle, a number of Cheltenham Festival aspirants were in action in some of the supporting races on an excellent card at Leopardstown.

The two novice chases were particularly interesting, with Willy Mullins and Ruby Walsh teaming up to land a double courtesy of Scotsirish and Glencove Marina.

Scotsirish’s victory over 2 miles has put him firmly in the picture for The Arkle at Cheltenham. The fact that he and his main rival in the race, Wins Now, pulled well clear of the third suggests the form is decent. Although the ground was heavy, Scotirish may actually prefer better going, being a son of Zaffran. However, there is a slight question mark over whether this trip is his best and he may need further in championship company.

Wins Now at least managed a confidence boosting clear round and there is surely better to come from JP McManus’ gelding as the season progresses.

Glencove Marina’s success half an hour later in the 2m 5f contest was even more impressive.

Although the favourite, Perce Rock, fell, he was well beaten at the time and the winner had his field well strung out by the finish. He is very highly regarded by connections, who feel he has enough speed to drop back in trip at the Festival and go for the Arkle. He’ll have multiple entries though, and looks one to follow wherever he turns up.