Fairyhouse Saturday Preview - 23/02/2019

The curtain raiser at Fairyhouse on Saturday afternoon is the Connolly's RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle, where Chavi Artist can finally get off the mark on his ninth attempt.

Having raced in three bumpers, he made his hurdles bow at Galway in October of last year, before returning to compete on the flat at Leopardstown over Christmas when only managing to beat one home.

Things did not look well, until the turn of the year which has somehow brought about significant change - and has since placed third twice in decent contests at Gowran and Naas.

Open to further improvement here.

Authorizo can follow up his dramatic debut for Gordon Elliott last time by rising to the occasion in the Grade Three Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle.

One start in the Gigginstown colours since making the move from France, he got off the mark at the first time of asking in a Maiden here almost a month ago, and looked smart going round by always appearing to travel well.

Quickened smartly, and with a few of these unknown quantities, he has the chance to prove his introduction was no fluke.

Big player.

Polished Steel finally broke his maiden tag two weeks ago at Thurles, and can continue to build on his progressive profile in the Tommy Carberry Handicap Hurdle.

Sent off the 3/1 market leader, he followed up the promise he displayed at the same venue in January when behind Henry De Bromhead's The King Of Brega.

Grown and grown in ability and in scope, it would be no surprise to see him score again.

Rathvinden presented himself as an out-an-out stayer by winning the four-miler in good style at the Cheltenham Festival last season, and looks a major danger in the day's feature - the Grade Three BetVictor Bobbyjo Chase.

That success at Prestbury Park last term brought an end to a bad spell of luck when unseating and being brought down in back-to-back contests at Leopardstown.

Yet to be seen this season after his miraculous fourth in the Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown last April, and this contest could be used as a springboard ahead of a crack at the Grand National this spring.

Definitely in contention.

Our final tip from Fairyhouse comes in the penultimate contest - the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase, where Dakota Moirette can continue what will hopefully be a good day for Gordon Elliott.

This 6yo looks to have major claims on his recent handicap form particularly at this trip: fourth, third and second in his last three appearances - with the third coming here back in January on heavy ground.

Bidding to now add a '1' to his form guide, and has every chance to do so if building on his recent improvement.

Jack Kennedy takes the ride.