Wednesday 6 February 2013 11:13, UK
Philip Fenton is confident Venture Capital will give a good account of himself in what promises to be an informative Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle at Clonmel on Thursday.
The likely favourite for the two-mile-six-furlong test is the Willie Mullins-trained Inish Island. The former Dessie Hughes inmate made a winning debut for the champion trainer at Downpatrick in November and then chased home At Fishers Cross in a Cheltenham handicap a month later, form which looks very strong in light of the winner's subsequent exploits. Patrick Griffin is looking forward to saddling Maggio, with James Reveley travelling over from England for the ride. Following back-to-back wins at Kelso, the eight-year-old had to make do with the runner-up spot on his latest appearance at Newcastle. "He's fine and I'm hoping if he doesn't win, he'll push the winner all the way," said Griffin. "He should see out the trip well and I just hope the ground isn't too bad for him. "He's a tricky customer, but James has found the key to him, so it's great he's coming over. "We'll take our chance and see what happens." Gordon Elliott's Shrapnel has every chance at the ratings, while the seven-runner field is completed by Whispering Hills, Dushybeag and Quarryvale.
