Little apparent strength in depth here with ETERNAL ECHO (nap) looking the one to beat on the back of some good bumper form. Dark Oak and Jacko Star have both shown some level of ability hurdling and look the dangers, while Struck Oil appears the most likely of the newcomers. [Alan Hewison]
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Sea The Stars gelding a 1m4f winner on good ground for Francis-Henri Graffard last August; in rear until fell two out on hurdles debut at Limerick early this month, best watched for now.
Decent level of form in bumpers, winning on debut at Naas and better effort in defeat when placed at both Leopardstown and Limerick; should make his mark hurdling and could be the one to beat in this ordinary maiden.
Some debut promise in Punchestown bumper in February but took a backward step at Thurles following month; out of half-sister to very smart hurdler Shadow Leader so could well improve for switch to hurdles.
Dam Jacksonslady won eight races for this stable and was third in the Galway Plate; promising hurdles debut in decent Navan 4yo maiden last month, despite running keen when fourth (third has won since); all the better for that, especially if settling better.
Vadamos gelding fetched 11,000Euros as both a foal and a 3yo; half-brother to 2m-2m5f hurdle winner Ballygeary; dam unraced half-sister to smart 2m/2m2f hurdle winner Blue Shark, out of half-sister to high-class staying jumper Sweet Duke; rare runner for the yard, market best guide.
Cost 21,000Euros as a yearling and 18,000Euros as a 3yo; brother to 2m hurdle winner Kingdom Calling, half-brother to French winners Griviere (2m4f chase) and Jobartim (2m1f hurdle); dam placed in French 2m2f/2m3f chases; short prices but ordinary form in two point-to-point runs last month.
Poet's Word gelding cost 29,000Euros as a 3yo; fourth foal; dam bumper winner, half-sister to smart bumper and 2m-2m1f hurdle/chase winner Highway One O One, from family of Champion Hurdle winners Morley Street and Granville Again; top yard, has to be respected on debut.
Shirocco gelding cost 12,500Euros as a foal; third foal; dam 2m-2m4f hurdle/chase winner, half-sister to bumper winner Love The Melody; newcomer likely best watched.
Mahler gelding cost 5,500Euros as a foal and 24,000Euros as a 3yo; brother to winners Dawn Sunrise (2m3f chase) and Dawn Raider (2m4f-2m6f hurdle/chase); dam unseated rider both starts in points, half-sister to bumper/2m hurdle winner Attack At Dawn; top yard have a more obvious contender in Eternal Echo.
74-rated Flat maiden in Britain for William Haggas; no show on both hurdle outings at Limerick, keen on first occasion; new headgear combination tried.
Won a 1m4f maiden at Galway last September (rated 80); took a nice step forward on second attempt hurdling when a clear third at Limerick last month behind two market principals; definitely one to consider.
Second reserve; half-brother to Willie Mullins-trained winning hurdlers Coquin Mans and Egality Mans; behind throughout on Naas debut early this month when a 33-1 shot; likely to need more time.
Third reserve; 76-rated Flat maiden in Britain for Karl Burke; too keen and paid the price on yard debut at Dundalk in January; switched to hurdles and can only be watched.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
