A wide open heat. Big Debates will have plenty of supporters after his impressive chase win at Limerick but he's rated 32lb lower over hurdles for a reason. A case can be made for all three of Paul Nolan's runners, especially TRANQUIL SEA who will appreciate the drop in class after struggling at Leopardstown last time. Doitforjane Sid, Dancingondaceiling and the handicap debutant Machismo are others to consider. [Dave Stephens]
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9yo has won three of his last five; career best when winning easily at Limerick (3m, yielding to soft) on latest; 9lb higher here in a stronger race so he'll need to improve again but that's not impossible; due to go up another 1lb; not discounted.
Point to point winner; off the mark at the third attempt in maiden hurdles at Tramore (21.5f, heavy) earlier this month; opening mark looks fair for handicap debut; stays 3m and could go well in first-time cheekpieces.
Sole win came at Punchestown off 109 in October 2023; has failed to complete two of his last three starts and didn't look like a winner in waiting when beaten 33l on latest, although this longer trip should be more suitable; others preferred.
One of three runners for yard; 2m maiden hurdle winner; consistent form in first three handicaps at 3m but struggled upped in class at Leopardstown in December; could do better back in these calmer waters with his jockey taking off a valuable 4lb; shortlisted.
Veteran has failed to make an impact over hurdles, in chases or on the Flat since winning at Naas in November 2022 (2m, heavy); pulled up on latest in a novice handicap chase at Limerick; hard to fancy on recent form; visor tried.
Won a 3m maiden on testing ground at Limerick in April; pleasing effort after a break on handicap debut back there in December (7.5l behind Doitforjane Sid); 8lb better off with that rival now and should strip fitter for that run; claims.
Second of three runners for yard; 1-15 over hurdles, that win coming in a 2m novice handicap at Wexford off 106 in March 2023; shaped like this trip might suit on latest at Leopardstown (2m4f, yielding); dropped 1lb and could outrun his likely odds.
Won a mares' maiden hurdle at Cork in March 2024; off 270 days before running poorly and hanging left on handicap debut at Limerick (2m4f, yielding to soft) over Christmas; hood worn for maiden win returns but she can only be watched upped in trip after that last effort.
Won a Punchestown handicap hurdle in June off 106 (23.5f, yielding); subsequently struggled at the Galway Festival off 7lb higher and failed to justify market support on his return from a 164-day absence at Fairyhouse 12 days ago; needs more with hood discarded.
Bumper winner; ability in 2m maidens when last seen; moves markedly up in trip for handicap debut after a 427-day absence; could be well treated but is best watched unless the market speaks in his favour.
Chase winner is 0-17 over hurdles and rated 11lb lower in this sphere; beaten similar distances on last two starts at 2m4f and 2m3f; has course form figures of 222 so he likes it here but has to prove he gets this trip; could sneak into the frame if he stays.
2-16 over hurdles; won over 3m at Fairyhouse a year ago off 101; has run respectably in his last three starts (including when behind a couple of these on latest) and he could go well if the first-time cheekpieces elicit a bit of improvement; place claims.
Point-to-point and maiden hurdle winner; shaped well behind a couple of these when 13l fourth of 17 in his second handicap at Limerick (3m, yielding to soft) on latest; dropped 1lb and he has each-way claims again.
2-13 over hurdles but is better over fences; won a handicap chase at Listowel by 12l off 111 in September; highly tried and struggled in two starts since off revised rating; reverts to hurdles off a 13lb lower mark; can't be fully dismissed but others appeal more.
Won his second handicap hurdle at Limerick in April off 99; chasing career aborted after two non-completions and he did better back over timber at Punchestown earlier this month; remains 6lb above his last win and the handicapper may be in charge for now.
Sprang a surprise when winning after long layoff at Killarney in July (20.5f, good); raised 6lb for that and no impact in three subsequent starts; beaten 32l on latest at Fairyhouse; down 2lb but hard to know what to expect; tongue tie is discarded.
12yo veteran rolled back the years with a 16l win off 125 in a handicap chase at Limerick on latest (22.5f, yielding to soft); now looks to exploit a much lower hurdles mark but he hasn't won over timber since December 2021; others preferred.
Third runner for yard; seven race maiden over hurdles; best effort a 7.25l third of 16 at Tipperary in May (3m, good to yielding) off 93; may have needed his latest run over an inadequate 2m3f in first-time blinkers (retained); is 2lb wrong at the weights but he could go well.
Nine race maiden under Rules; well-beaten in four maiden hurdles; mild promise in a novice handicap chase at Limerick last month off 104 and now steps up in trip for his handicap hurdle debut off 10lb lower; is 8lb wrong but worth a market check.
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 )
