No British runners, although The Jukebox Man would have been a serious player had he avoided injury. Willie Mullins has a majority of the field and one of his big two, BALLYBURN and Dancing City, is likely to be suited whatever the pace scenario. A thorough test could suit the latter, but a good pace could help Ballyburn to settle and his class means he should have most angles covered as long as his jumping holds up. Better Days Ahead looks the best of the three non-Mullins runners and can make up the tricast, while last year's Albert Bartlett winner Stellar Story also enters calculations if it turns into a thorough test. [Keith Melrose]
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Brilliant winner of the Turners Novices' Hurdle at this meeting last year; 2-3 over fences, losing to only Sir Gino, but jumping has been sketchy at times and it took until after the last for him to assert in the Ladbrokes Novice Chase at Leopardstown (extended 2m5f, yielding) last month; that, plus his stout pedigree, gives hope he will stay and he looks the one to beat.
Won the Martin Pipe at this meeting in 2024 then third to Dancing City in 3m Grade 1 at Punchestown; 2-3 over fences, not having to improve when holding on in Grade 2 at Navan last time (3m, soft to heavy) but he did jump notably well; may have to settle for minor honours again at this level.
Won three Grade 1 novice hurdles last season, including on good to yielding ground at Punchestown, and third in the Albert Bartlett here; jumped well and stayed on stoutly when winning his more recent start over fences in Grade 3 at Naas (3m1f, heavy) in January; likely to prove Ballyburn's main challenge, but the stiffer the test the better for him and spring ground may not help.
Made hay in the autumn over fences, winning twice including a Grade 3 at Cork (2m4f, good) in November close fourth in Grade 1 at Fairyhouse (2m4f, yielding) when last seen in early December and likely to come up short here unless spring ground stumps his rivals.
Just shy of the best novice hurdlers last season but 2-2 front-running over fences, much improved in Grade 3 at Punchestown (extended 2m3f, soft) last time despite dicey jumping; could play the hare again but it's hard to see him staying away.
Third behind Better Days Ahead in last year's Martin Pipe here; won over fences at the second time of asking at Gowran Park (2m4f, soft to heavy) in January but needs to step up significantly on that in this quality of field.
Last-gasp win in last year's Albert Bartlett here (3m, heavy) was the highlight of his hurdles career; took three runs to match that level over fences, closing to the line on Better Days Ahead at Navan (3m, soft to heavy) 31 days ago; it's likely he would appreciate a stiffer test than spring ground is likely to provide.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2
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