Won twice over hurdles in France; unbeaten in three Fairyhouse chase starts last season, culminating in Irish Grand National triumph; needed the run here last month; 10lb lower than chase mark but Aintree will be the long-term plan.
Grade 2 and Grade 3 winner last season; signed off with runner-up to Kargese in Grade 1 4yo Champion Hurdle at Punchestown; yet to rediscover that form in three runs this season; looked a non-stayer over this trip latest; headgear change.
1-7 over hurdles, winning a maiden over 2m on heavy ground here last December; has been well below last season's form this term and struggled in handicap company twice already; others preferred.
Took advantage of lower hurdles mark to win Listed handicap at Naas (2m4f, soft) last season; 11yo has been out of form since and is still 7lb higher; all five career wins have been gained at Naas.
Four-time winner under rules; latest win came off 133 in Wexford handicap chase last April; good run on seasonal reappearance over hurdles at Punchestown (3m, soft) but failed to fire at Leopardstown; market watch advised.
Won a rated hurdle easily on seasonal reappearance at Fairyhouse (20.5f, good); lost considerable ground when rearing at the start when pulled up at Leopardstown; shaped well in two previous handicaps off lower marks and could go well.
Grade 2-winning hurdler in 2022 has been set some stiff tasks, including four tries in Grade 1 company; could be well treated on his Ballinrobe second to Beacon Edge in May; fair effort behind Brighterdaysahead latest and has to be of interest.
Dual-purpose sort won valuable handicap hurdle at Leopardstown (2m, soft) last February; 12yo is 10lb higher now but finished a fine Listed second when last seen over hurdles at Listowel; should give his running again.
Runner-up in the juvenile handicap hurdle at Cheltenham in March; won Listed handicap at Listowel (2m, soft) in September; hasn't had his ground in two subsequent starts and won't want it to dry out here.
Flattered by his Grade 1 fourth to Spillane's Tower in March but off the mark over fences at the Galway festival (2m2f, good); solid runs in Munster National and Grade 3 since; fair mark back hurdling on first start for in-form yard.
Gained second hurdles success on good ground over this trip at Bellewstown in August; effectively only 2lb higher here factoring in Liam McKenna's claim; ran well off this mark when sixth of 24 at Fairyhouse; drying ground a positive.
Ballinrobe maiden hurdle (16.5f, good) winner in May; failed to make much of an impact in three handicaps since; blinkers go back on; opposable on balance.
Off the mark over hurdles at Naas (2m3f, soft) in March off 119; pulled up three weeks later at Fairyhouse over 3m; this trip will suit better but all of his form is on soft or heavy; may need the run in first-time tongue-tie.
Point winner won Bellewstown maiden hurdle (20.5f, good) on rules debut before narrow defeat in Cork novice hurdle; below-par efforts at Cheltenham and Thurles; one of three here for the yard so market will guide on handicap bow; cheekpieces.
Won 3m1f maiden hurdle at Cork in 2023; some fair efforts over fences subsequently; never a factor on handicap hurdle debut at Leopardstown and trip on the sharp side here; first-time cheekpieces added to tongue-tie.
Versatile sort who stays well; has a good strike-rate over hurdles (3-8); pulled up both starts this season since returning from an absence; plenty to prove on first run for Denis Hogan.
Chase winner won handicap hurdle over this trip at Leopardstown last season off 115 for Henry de Bromhead; 6lb lower than chase mark here on return to hurdling; first start for Gordon Elliott; respected.
Thurles bumper winner took advantage of a big drop in grade when winning handicap at this course (3m1f, yielding to soft) last month; 7lb hike to contend with but should be bang there again if he handles the drop in trip.
Point and maiden hurdle winner; travelled up well for a long way when fourth of 20 at Leopardstown (23.5f, yielding); drop to this trip is a plus from same mark; respected.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4,5
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
