A winner of this race 12 months ago, it would be no surprise to see the money come for the JP McManus-owned Sir Bob. Flemensface has to prove his effectiveness on better ground but is respected, while Nelson County remains unexposed. The vote goes to MACHISMO, who showed enough when runner-up on good ground at Thurles two weeks ago to suggest he can take this from an unchanged mark. [Adrian Wall]
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Signed off last term showing stamina with maiden hurdle win at this course (24.5f, soft); tailed off on chase/seasonal debut at Galway in October; return to hurdling should suit better but seems to want testing ground.
Point-to-point winner; off the mark at third attempt in Tramore maiden hurdle at Tramore (21.5f, heavy) on New Year's Day but showed likeness for good ground when runner-up to the well-treated Rushmount at Thurles two weeks ago; big chance from same mark.
Bumper winner here in 2023; returned from long absence for new yard when down the field at Punchestown in November; runner-up to Argento Boy at Punchestown (form franked) in February; good third at Navan 19 days ago; good ground is an unknown.
Won 3m maiden at Tipperary last May (good to yielding); back to form with second over 3m1f at Navan in December from 1lb lower; midfield in competitive Leopardstown handicap at Christmas; each-way contender if he can bounce back.
Won this race last year from 3lb lower; well beaten in first two handicaps since returning in November but much better when beaten around 5l into fourth at Fairyhouse on latest; now a 13yo but this race clearly the target.
Runner-up in three of her four bumper starts for John McConnell; consistent over hurdles and got deserved maiden win at Fairyhouse (2m4f, soft) in January; outclassed in Listed grade at Navan on latest; interesting on her handicap bow.
Beat prolific points winner Winged Leader at Dromahane last season; 100-1 when clear second to Willie Mullins-trained favourite over 2m1f at Clonmel; suffered costly interference at Naas; well-backed when close fifth at Clonmel; can go well on handicap debut.
Won Ballinrobe maiden hurdle (22.5f, soft) last summer; confirmed stamina when winning Punchestown handicap hurdle (23.5f, heavy) in February with Betty Dutton (11lb better off here) 2l behind in second; stayed on well late when third at the same venue latest; contender again.
Runner-up in a point-to-point; beaten a fair distance in three maiden hurdles but did his best work late on handicap bow when third of 23 at Fairyhouse (2m4f, soft) last month; upped in trip again and remains unexposed.
Just 1-22 over hurdles but has plenty of placed efforts to her name, including when runner-up to Lucky Viv at Punchestown in February (11lb better off with that rival here); no excuses behind Machismo at Thurles on latest, though.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
