Ballybrittas can get punters off to flying start at Clonmel

Off a 70-day break, he was well beaten in a competitive handicap at the Christmas meeting in Leopardstown and, off another similar absence, he made his chasing debut in Thurles, where he found only Spinning Web too good.

While he led down over the last that day and was unable to resist the winner’s later rush, the form received a nice boost when the winner followed up 10 days later at the same venue.

In the main, Ballybrittas jumped well and while he is dropping back in trip this time, it is a move that could suit the six-year-old. He has plenty of scope for improvement and can make the most of what looks like a good opportunity. Luimneach and Ta Na La are the most interesting of his rivals.

Willie Mullins has a couple of likely types in the second race, the Ballymacarbry Beginners’ Chase, and Rath Gaul Boy can gain the bragging rights over stablemate Lombron.

Prior to making his chasing debut last month at Punchestown, the selection had been off the track for almost 10 months. Never too far off the pace on his return, he moved into second place between the last two fences but the lack of a run appeared to tell as another stablemate came back to grab second spot in a race won well by Springt De La Mare.

Sure to be better for the run, the 135-rated hurdler has the scope to make it in this sphere, and he can put a first chase-winning mark on his card this time.

Lombron wasn’t that far behind his stable-companion over hurdles and he posted a promising first start over fences when fourth behind stablemate and subsequent Grade 1 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase winner Lecky Watson.

Off for a couple of months, he then went to Gowran Park, where he finished runner-up to Harry Des Ongrais. It is pretty solid form relative to his opposition in this race, and it won’t be a big surprise if he forces his stablemate to pull out all the stops.