Paul Nolan's Thedeviluno has to be considered after his fine Wexford effort, especially if the ground doesn't turn too soft. The newcomers Doctor Du Mesnil and Lacaduv should be closely monitored in the market but it might be worth siding with Tom Gibney's JACK THE LAD. The Hexham point-to-point winner may have needed the run on his Rules' debut at Gowran and the extra furlong here should suit. Eastbank Warrior and Mojoe complete the shortlist. [Dave Stephens]
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Leading Light gelding out of a bumper and hurdles winner pulled up in his sole point-to-point start at Ballyragget last month; from a good family so ought to be capable of better at some point but may need more time.
Standout effort a 1.5l second over this C&D (good) in October; nowhere near that level in other three runs and was beaten 31l on latest at Navan in November; off since and probably best watched.
Doctor Dino gelding cost 55,000euros as a 3yo; first foal; dam French 2m1f chase winner, half-sister to French winners Invincible Dina and Ches Demonmirail, both by Doctor Dino, family of very smart staying chaser Lord Du Mesnil; interesting newcomer from top yard and respected.
Placed in 2m maiden hurdles here and at Gowran on yielding ground in first two starts under Rules; tailed off on soft ground in a Navan bumper when last seen in January; best watched stepping up in trip.
Placed twice in bumpers and in a maiden hurdle; best effort in this sphere a 2.5l second behind the now 127 rated Blaze The Way at Thurles (2m, heavy) last March; off since third of 14 in maiden hurdle at Ballinrobe in August; chance if he's fit for his return and yard have a good strike rate in bumpers.
Wide margin UK point-to-point winner for John Dawson in December; bought for 120,000GBP at the Cheltenham sales later that month; beaten 15l on Rules' and stable debut in a 2m2f Gowran bumper last month; should strip fitter now; interesting.
Just mild promise in good ground UK bumpers for Sam Drinkwater; similar story when sixth on Irish debut in a 2m3f Clonmel maiden hurdle (2m3f, heavy); should come on for that but needs more reverting to this sphere.
Doctor Dino gelding cost 40,000euros as yearling and 185,000euros as a 3yo; second foal; dam Listed-placed 1m2f/1m4f winner (RPR 101), half-sister to useful 2m3f hurdle winner Montdragon; tongue tied for debut but in good hands and worth a market check.
Sent off at 20-1 for his debut at Fairyhouse (2m, yielding) and showed definite promise, outpaced but keeping on for a 14.5l fourth of 10; this longer trip should suit and the hood goes on; place claims.
Slipped up in sole point-to-point; 66-1 and never figured in first bumper at Down Royal in December and off since; hood worn that day is left off; hard to make a case for.
Cheaply bought Pour Moi gelding is a second foal; half-brother to 3m hurdle winner Bridie Whittle; dam unraced sister to 3m/3m1f hurdle winner Maggie Blue, half-sister to bumper/useful 2m-2m4f hurdle winner Hello George; yard not known for bumper winners; watch on debut.
Westerner gelding cost 13,000euros as a 3yo; sixth foal; half-brother to winners Minsterforsport (useful bumper and 2m/2m3f hurdle) and Learntalot (2m6f chase); unraced dam from family of smart chaser Another Coral (best up to 2m5f); nicely bred and worth a market check on debut.
Sent off at big prices both starts; fourth in a good ground 2m3f Limerick bumper latest but was beaten 26l; likely to encounter different ground here; others appeal more.
Built on debut promise shown in a 2m Fairyhouse bumper when a close second in a Wexford (2m, good to yielding) behind a well-backed Gordon Elliott horse on St Patrick's Day; leading form claims but very soft ground would be an unknown.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
