Seskinane On Revenge Mission

All 3 UK meetings have bitten the dust this morning, which is a shame, but it's a measure of how cynical we are about the storm hype here that betting on whether racing would go ahead at Leicester, Bangor and Redcar saw the trio all trade at long odds on to survive. That's by the by now, however, and attention must turn to racing in Ireland, a land rendered immune from hurricanes by the blessed St Patrick himself, probably.

Naas host what is an excellent card for a Monday, with a host of classy animals on show, and the pick of them for many will be Rule The World, who looks sure to start favourite for the 2½m hurdle on the card after showing himself one of the country's top novices last year. He's much respected, but the value in that race may lie with the luckless Seskinane, one of the most impressive winners of the summer when slamming On His Own at Sligo in May, but  harshly disqualified when jockey Derek Fox admitted to dangerous riding when initially making his move. Such an admission was naive in the extreme, and a mistake a senior jockey wouldn't have made, so it can be assumed that both Fox and trainer Mark McNiff were seething at the decision.

Seskinane has nothing to fear from On His Own on that form, and given that was only his third run over hurdles, it would be a major surprise if that proves his limit in form terms, and it simply beggars belief that he's only fifth best in the market. That assessment is plain wrong, and while he needs to progress again to beat an on-song Rule The World, such an eventuality is eminently feasible.

In the Grade 3 Poplar Square Chase (13:45), it's worth siding with Oscars Well on his seasonal return. The gelding was arguably disappointing as a novice last year, but finished runner-up three times at the top level, and looked to appreciate more positive tactics when second to Arvika Ligeonnaire on his final start. Reunited with Barry Geraghty today, and with Jessica Harrington's team enjoying a fine run, he can make the most of the weight he receives from Twinlight to end a frustrating sequence. He's lacked a little boldness at his fences at times, but Geraghty is the finest jockey around for instilling confidence in a dodgy jumper, and he was more polished in that department at Punchestown. He holds Special Tiara, Alderwood and Realt Mor on that running, and it will be a major disappointment if he can't score with everything seeming in his favour here.

Recommendations:

Both at Naas

Back Oscars Well @ [3.55] in the 13:45 (NB)

Back Seskinane @ [9.2] in the 14:15 (NAP)