Johnny Ward's Irish Angle: Say hello to Goodbye

The Cheltenham Festival is closing in and we discussed the yard visits to Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins on episode 14 of On The Wire.

There is information to be gleaned on the Festival but of more immediate concern is Fairyhouse and Naas this weekend.

Two of the Elliott runners over the weekend, Battle Of Wills and Farouk D'alene, were given very favourable mentions by the trainer when he played host to the media at his yard.

David Mullins’ return is one of the weekend’s talking points. I’ve got eight selections for the weekend action.

SATURDAY SELECTONS:

Dermot McLoughlin's string is in good form and Dromore Lad might be able to strike again. He relishes a stamina test, which he gets here, and his last win was at Fairyhouse, getting the better of Fitzhenry when well clear of third. His latest offering was much more like it and cheekpieces may make the difference, with Liam Quinlan claiming 5lb into the bargain.

On her debut the grey filly was beaten 23 lengths when considerately handled behind Pakens Rock (rated 136 now) and Future Proof (124).

Of similar interest is another maiden run when she was again not knocked about and beaten under ten lengths - finishing just behind Alfa Mix, who was touched off not long ago off 136.

On her handicap debut at Gowran, Birdie Blitz, owned by JP McManus, was on the face of it disappointing but she was never put into the race and allowed to come home in her own time. She stayed on better there last time and this trip looks sure to suit.

Her mark of 95 looks lenient.

The bet of the day. He will surely be much better for his chase debut at Leopardstown. He merely needs to do better than he was over hurdles, which looks a certainty given his physique. Robbie Power takes over for a stable in form.

A talented and beautiful looking horse. The hood should help him settle and he ought to be far too good for these.

SUNDAY SELECTIONS:

Jumping has been an unexpected issue of late as he is generally more than capable in that department. Despite the ratings band making this a classy Grade Three, the rest all have doubts about them.

A promising horse, very much built for this game. He is consistent into the bargain and, given that he has been given some time to mature, he looks potentially ahead of his mark, albeit in a tough race. Expect his jumping to be put to use.

Some of these have been given inexplicably high marks, while top-weight Pasley is frustrating. There has to be an each-way angle and this horse has plenty going for him.

A well-bred sort, he was only 6-1 last time in a hot handicap at Fairyhouse and travelled easily until carried out. There should be plenty more to come.