Paul Townend has a busy weekend at Fairyhouse and Naas

I’m off to Fairyhouse on Saturday, where I have four rides starting with Real Steel (12pm). He was running a big race at Leopardstown, before falling at the last over Christmas.

That was over 2m1f, but the step up to 2m5f shouldn’t be a worry. Hopefully he can make amends for that fall. He schooled well since so he should put up a good performance for us.

Awayinthewest (1.35) for Pat Fahy is a very versatile mare with some bits of very good form.

The trip and ground isn’t a worry so I’d be hoping for a decent run from her again. Whether she’s good enough to win or not is unknown.

I ride Fenta Des Obeaux for Willie Mullins (2.10) and she fell at the first on her first run.

She was very free that day but she’s seemed to have learned from that and ran a nice race behind the impressive Carlo Biraghi at Punchestown the last day. She’s well treated by the conditions of the race.

Her four-year-old and mares’ allowance gives her a real big chance. Joseph O’Brien has one in there, Galilean, that’ll be hard enough to beat but we are hoping our one can improve and give a good account of herself.

Miss Shoe City (3.20) showed limited ability in what she’s done so far. This is a race for horses that haven’t finished in the places and is a good opportunity for her.

She should be up against her own grade here but she will have to improve on anything she’s shown us so far.

I go to Naas on Sunday, where I have three rides. The first one is for Willie, Runrized (1.20).

He was a winner on the flat in France. It’s his first run for us and he’ll definitely improve for whatever he does here but he does work nicely at home.

Farid has the experience and fitness on his side, so he’ll be hard enough to beat.

Tens or Better (2.50) was a bumper winner at Punchestown. She was beat in a nice way on her first run over hurdles.

It’s a competitive maiden with a lot in here with good form. Jessica Harrington’s Envious Editor was just beaten by Rhinestone but disappointed behind Buildmeupbuttercup since.

We will see where we are going after this. That bumper form doesn’t look too bad so hopefully she can run a nice race.

Finally I ride Stowaway Forever for Philip Dempsey (3.50). He’s a tricky horse to win with to say the least. He has lots of ability it’s just very hard to get it out of him.

The cheekpieces are back on again which will be a help and he’s run well around the track. I’ve no doubt there’s a day in him and if he puts his best forward he has a right chance here.

Paul