On 4lb better terms SPELLACY'S CROSS is taken to reverse a narrow Clonmel defeat by Maciver. Recent hurdles winner Without Exception is very much unexposed in this discipline and could make a bold bid if his jumping holds up, and Walk In Time is another to consider. [Alan Hewison]
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Won here over 2m2f just under a year ago in testing conditions off 95; recent runs have been over hurdles, well beaten; stamina concerns and others preferred.
Point-to-point winner and placed hurdler; yet to find his level over fences, unseated halfway on latest; hard to be confident in but is 10lb lower than over hurdles.
Dual hurdles winner in April of last year in testing conditions at 2m6f/3m; nowhere near that level in four attempts chasing and good bit to find on recent form with Spellacy's Cross.
Thriving of late and seeking a four-timer, two 2m6f handicap chase wins sandwiching a hurdles success, all on heavy, clear with runner-up Spellacy's Cross at Clonmel on latest; up an aggregate of 19lb over fences and encounters quicker ground here.
Dual winner over hurdles in 2021; lightly raced chaser, didn't run too badly in handicap here in September, not so good afterwards at Gowran; back from a break and may need this.
Ordinary form over hurdles but made a bright start over fences last month in 2m5f Fairyhouse handicap before pushing Maciver all the way over 2m7f at Clonmel (heavy) pair clear; 4lb better off with that rival here so big chance if handling quicker ground.
Point-to-point winner has made little impression in bumpers and over hurdles; straight into handicap company for chase debut and hard to make a case for.
Two wins chasing including 2m7f Clonmel mares handicap last April; yet to hit form after three attempts this term, plenty to find with some of these on recent Clonmel run.
Low-grade sort but off the mark hurdling in recent 2m4f Punchestown handicap, seeing it out strongly on heavy; races off 4lb lower chase mark here on just third attempt chasing so obvious scope for improvement though quicker ground a slight concern.
Two hurdling wins were back in 2020 (good) but definite promise of late over fences, close to much of pace when fourth to Maciver at Clonmel last time; cheekpieces belatedly tried here and better ground could suit.
