Won on his third bumper start for Andy Slattery when making all at Roscommon in August; well held on yard debut in Listowel maiden hurdle the following month, and ran like he needed his comeback at Tramore in late May.
Placed all three bumper starts for John McConnell, including Cheltenham third in October where he was a neck off a Skelton horse who has won three hurdles since and is now rated 137; after six months off, unplaced in a Kilbeggan bumper on stable debut; good third of 17 on hurdling debut at Listowel in late May; not much of note behind him, but winner had landed a bumper impressively and runner-up was sixth in the Asoct Stakes next time.
Tailed off in soft-ground bumper here last year; was shaping well on hurdling debut at Clonmel when knuckling on landing two out, fourth at the time and with running left to give; well beaten in Roscommon novice latest, but the three ahead of him were all previous winners; place chance.
Phoenix Of Spain half-brother to five Flat winners was second in 1m2f maiden at Ripon last year, when trained by the owner's son; well beaten in three starts on the Flat in Ireland; tongue-tie fitted for hurdling debut; can be keen.
Beaten favourite but not a bad run in first bumper at Galway in October, beaten 9l; not as good next time and, for one from champion trainer's yard, significant that she was sent off 22-1 when beaten 42l on hurdling debut at Roscommon
Diamond Boy mare cost 50,000euros at three; half-sister to winners Scorpion's Revenge (bumper/useful US 2m2f hurdle), Arthur Fonzarelli (2m1f hurdle) and Neigh Botha (bumper and 2m/2m1f hurdle/chase); dam unraced half-sister to Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Native River.
First reserve; newcomer by the Motivator stallion For Fun, a Grade 1 winner over hurdles in France; cost 24,00euros at two; dam unraced half-sister to French/German 2m-2m3f hurdle/chase winner; family of smart miler Enrique.
