Very useful hurdler last season (rated 136), both wins coming at this venue (2m6f/3m); came up against smart types on first two attempts chasing, definite step forward last month when beaten under 10l in C&D beginners, having taken a wide course; scope for more now entering handicaps off 6lb lower mark than over hurdles.
Both hurdle wins for the late Edward O'Grady came over shorter; better of two beginners' chase outings on latest when staying on again late under considerate enough handling over 2m at Fairyhouse a week ago; marked step up in trip here on first handicap chase.
Cork handicap hurdle win last season came at 3m (good); pick of chase form when fine third in 2m6f Listowel beginners' but well held twice since, never counting at Cork last time; best racing prominently; cheekpieces tried on handicap chase debut off a decent mark on that Listowel run.
Two hurdle wins for Willie Mullins included 3m Cork novice; jumping left a good bit to be desired in three chase efforts earlier this season, good bit behind Hitak at Listowel final occasion; cheekpieces tried here on yard/handicap debut (10lb lower than hurdles mark).
Reached a decent standard in three hunter-chase runs last season, winning at Clonmel and Down Royal before decent seventh in Aintree Foxhunters for Adrian Murray; recent third in good-class Damma House open point-to-point should have him in good order for handicap debut.
Improved for switch to fences, all four efforts in handicaps, notably narrow Roscommon defeat at 2m and when ready winner over 2m2f at Galway (form subsequently franked by runner-up winning at Fairyhouse); unable to exploit much lower hurdles mark at Tramore two days later but remains very much of interest as a chaser (up 12lb for Galway win) and step up in trip could well bring more improvement.
Won hunter-chases last season at Fairyhouse and Cork; two point-to-point runs this term well below best, however, and hard to be confident in on handicap debut.
Won twice here last season (good) including over this trip off 109; three runs over the summer below best, trip inadequate at Killarney last time; lack of a recent run a concern.
Progressive 8yo bolted up over 3m at Killarney in August and most recently recorded career-best when winning here over 2m3f in October, rallying well close home after idling; up 8lb for that but talented rider's claim negates half of that; one to consider.
Both hurdle wins at Tramore at this trip on testing ground; inadequate trip on recent chasing debut at Fairyhouse and likely to need more time to make her mark chasing.
Dual chase winner, including here over 2m3f two years ago; well held behind A Nod To Getaway here in October, more encouraging run here last month off lower hurdles mark; looks to have it to do.
Goes well in heavy ground, winning over 2m at Tramore and Limerick in early 2024; out of form for some time; however, tendency to jump right didn't help at Navan six days ago; best form at shorter trips.
Modest strike rate of 3-37 over fences with last win coming at Kilbeggan in August last year; jumping awry at Navan six days ago when pulled up; stamina concerns and hard to fancy.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
