Balnagon Can Fire At Fairyhouse For Gibney

With the low quality of fare on offer early this week it has been difficult to find a horse worth backing. Thankfully things improve tomorrow, and there is a horse at Faryhouse that has caught my eye.

The Thomas Gibney trained Balnagon Boy goes in the Novice Chase at 2.45 and he looks to have a serious chance. He reappeared after a long injury layoff with an extremely promising run behind Arkle bound Sizing John at Punchestown. It was his first run in 22 months and he travelled supremely well for a long way.

He is a former point to point winner so chasing was always going to be the eventual plan, and he didn't disappoint with his jumping at Punchestown on his chase debut. He was low and quick over the majority of the fences, bar a couple on the far side when he missed a stride. He pinged the last two, which is always good to see, and with that experience under his belt he will hopefully jump even better on Wednesday.

He is a previous course and distance winner over the smaller obstacles and the recent heavy rain will be right up this son of Hernando's street. His best runs have come on a rain sodden surface and he will relish the conditions at Fairyhouse. The same can't be said for some of his more fancied rivals, most of whom have shown their best form on decent ground.

The trip is perfect, the ground will suit and he showed he retains plenty of ability with his comeback run. The only worry is the dreaded 'bounce' factor which can often occur when a horse is having its second run back after a long layoff. However at odds of 10/1 I am willing to take that chance and if he shows his best form it is difficult to see him finishing outside the first three. He looks well worth supporting each way in what looks a very winnable race.

STEVOS' SELECTION: 2.45 FAIRYHOUSE-BALNAGON BOY 10/1 E/W