Sky’s the limit with Walsh on board

Ruby Walsh goes to Down Royal today for a single ride as Tony Martin turns to the champion jockey for Spacious Sky in a handicap hurdle.

The six-year-old has shown flair on the flat and over jumps but has had just a single career win – despite landing a place in a decent handicap at York’s Ebor meeting last August. Spacious Sky gets a chunk of weight from Glenquest, which finished third in the Welsh Grand National last time out.

Stuart Crawford’s runner is only 8lbs higher for winning over flights at Navan in November but both Walsh and the drier ground could help tip things Spacious Sky’s way here.

Crawford though looks to have an excellent chance in the opening handicap chase with the hat-trick seeking Ardmillan who should have no trouble stepping up to three miles after wins here at Christmas and subsequently at Fairyhouse.

Kildare trainer James Leavy had his last winner at Down Royal 15 months ago and Be My Sea could be a timely solution to a trappy looking bumper.

Five O’Clock Tea has ground to make up on both Kilmurry Kid and Heavenly Brook from Naas but was the former’s first run in about two years and he should be sharper here.