The Weekend Ahead

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Golantilla in Ballsbridge bid . (Leopardstown) Saturday 28th Feb

Golantilla takes the next step in an interrupted career when tackling seven rivals in the Ballsbridge Hurdle at Leopardstown on Saturday.
Leading owner Barry Connell dug deep to purchase the son of Golan following impressive wins in a point-to-point and a bumper for Sean O'Brien and he went on to finish third behind Briar Hill in the Champion Bumper at the 2013 Cheltenham Festival.

The Tony Martin-trained gelding has been lightly-raced since, but did score on his hurdling debut at Thurles in November.

He was subsequently last of the three finishers behind Sizing John in the Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas, although that form received a timely boost when the runner-up, Sub Lieutenant, landed a Grade Two prize at Thurles on Thursday.

"We gave him a little break after Leopardstown to have him fresh for the likes of Fairyhouse and Punchestown. We're happy with him and he's ready to have a run," said Martin.

Felix Yonger, absent since touching off Mallowney in the Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase at Cork in December, is an interesting rival on his return to hurdling for Willie Mullins and Ruby Wash.

Jennies Jewel, Western Boy and Gerdago will also ensure this is a competitive event.