Five of these have an official rating between 116 and 120, so it should provide a good contest. The consistent AUTOPORTRAIT has run well at different trips and may find this close to his optimum. Smooth Scotch comes out marginally best at the weights. Butcher Hollow, who looked exciting early in his career, has failed to deliver over hurdles so far but is not a lost cause. Harbour Highway was left with too much to do last time but this is a stronger race. [Alan Sweetman]
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Promise in both hurdle starts in France; placed on all four starts since joining this yard, though no sign of improvement since second to the useful Goraibhmaithagat over 2m here in December; trip-versatile, second over 3m at Cork and same placing over an extended 2m2f at Naas; should not be far away.
Point and bumper winner; consistent in defeat in maiden hurdles last season, placed all four maiden hurdle starts, though has never gone particularly close; probably needed Punchestown run last month on seasonal and handicap debut
Some promise in maidens at up to 2m3f; last of four in Fairyhouse rated contest in January; better when long-priced fourth in a maiden at this venue three weeks ago; others preferred.
Point-to-point and bumper winner; two disappointing runs over hurdles with tongue-tie which was left off for his most recent run when sent off favourite at Leopardstown; ran on from off the pace to take third, prompting the stewards to ask questions, explanations were noted; this race appears to have greater depth.
Ordinary form in four bumpers; has shown ability over hurdles, including when fourth behind subsequent Cheltenham winner Air Of Entitlement at Down Royal; would get weight from several of these rivals in a handicap.
Every chance when falling on handicap debut at Punchestown last May after a long layoff; decent efforts returned to maiden company this season, fifth behind Cheltenham winner Air Of Entitlement at Down Royal, third in a decent four-runner contest over C&D; highest-rated of these on official and RPR figures.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )