Winner at the first time of asking for Terence O'Brien, JAY PEE M drops in trip here on handicap chase debut but has hurdles form at this trip in testing conditions and could get away with it. Mount Ferns is an interesting opponent on chase debut, while top-weight Zurich and handicap debutant Crecora Hills are others to consider. [Alan Hewison]
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Made winning hurdling debut on very soft ground at Pau in December 2023 and after year's absence encouraging efforts in 2m1f novices recently, at Punchestown and Down Royal; respected on handicap debut.
Bumper and hurdles winner; has plenty of chasing experience, placed six times from 13 starts although doesn't appear to be improving; on a fair mark but others open to greater improvement.
In good form this term, winning 2m6f Tramore beginners' chase and 2m4f Fairyhouse handicap hurdle; didn't appear to stay 3m over fences latest and drops markedly in trip here.
Flat/hurdles winner; last month's comeback run at Fairyhouse a step up on previous chase effort but lack of chasing experience a possible negative here in first handicap chase.
Placed over hurdles in the second half of last season for previous yard and reappeared from point-to-points to make winning chase debut in 2m4f Cork beginners' last month, winning with a bit in hand on yielding-to-soft; on a decent mark entering handicaps and likely major player if handling drop in trip.
Bumper winner and 109-rated hurdler, winning here over 2m3f last May; tended to jump right but encouraging third on chase debut at Gowran; below that form both runs since, lacking fluency in jumping; needs to jump better.
Naas handicap hurdle win last April took her hurdles mark to 109; showed a bit more on third run over fences at Fairyhouse last month and possibility of more to come now entering handicaps (7lb lower than hurdles).
Dual hurdle winner including at this meeting last year (2m3f, heavy); none too fluent on chase debut here in December in handicap company, may need more time to get his act together chasing.
Won 2m Listowel handicap hurdle in September (soft) but beaten favourite both starts since, ground too quick at Cork and headed when faller two out at Limerick; straight into handicap company for chase debut and half-brother to decent staying chaser City Chief an interesting contender.
Won 2m6f Tramore handicap hurdle last April, and chased home a clear winner in 2m6f handicap chase at the same venue in August; well held by Jay Pee M on recent Cork run and trip looks on the short side.
Reserve; Limerick bumper and Cork maiden hurdle wins a meagre return for his ability; two recent chase runs quiet but begins handicap chases off 6lb lower mark than hurdles.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
