National hunt enthusiasts will be gearing up for another top-notch day at Thurles today where Willie Mullins is represented by a number of interesting sorts.
Mullins’ Karalee may be the pick of his three runners. The Rich Ricci-owned mare is lightly-raced but clearly has a fair level of ability judging by her latest effort in finishing third behind Apple’s Jade in a Grade One event at Punchestown back in April.
If running up to scratch, she should take the world of beating on her seasonal reappearance in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Hurdle (1.25) under Paul Townend.
The champion handler will be bidding to get his afternoon off to a good start with Montalbano, also owned by Ricci and ridden by Townend, in the Killinan Beginners Chase (12.25).
Meanwhile, Mullins has won the Cahir Maiden Hurdle (1.55) with Turban (2011), Lucky Bridle (2013), Max Dynamite (2014), Petit Mouchoir (2015) and Riven Light (2016) in recent seasons and relies on Real Steal in this year’s renewal.
Real Steel’s main danger looks to be Daly Tiger from the Noel Meade stable who was a comfortable winner of a bumper at the track earlier this month.
The racing at Thurles is underway at 12.25 and the ground is currently soft-to-heavy there.
