Several with chances, a tentative vote going to the 4yo T OR COFFEY, who ran encouragingly at Down Royal recently and is nicely handicapped on his Killarney run last summer. Likely dangers include Fair Damsel, Redcliff Glen and High Honour, while Malbay Madness is approaching an appealing mark and could step up on recent efforts. [Alan Hewison]
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Two hurdle wins in late 2022 on heavy; out of form over fences last year and best run for some time when third in 2m3f Punchestown handicap hurdle in December; solid run at Naas the following month and back from a break here; would prefer it softer so rain welcome.
Relished a return to hurdles this season and was only narrowly denied in his hat-trick bid for Paul Hennessy at Gowran in January; struggled off 6lb higher at Limerick last month and handicapper just may have his measure right now.
Finished in the frame in three maiden hurdles last year including over this trip; weakening when fell two out on return at Gowran last month on handicap debut; return to better ground should suit.
Dual-purpose; 3-27 over hurdles; won off 100 at Killarney (2m4f, good) in August; well beaten since, last two in competitive Leopardstown contests; others preferred.
Modest Flat performer but much better hurdler, runner-up in Tipperary maiden last May and very fortunate winner when left clear by a last-flight faller at Killarney in October; later in month solid run in the circumstances in Sligo mares' handicap considering she was keen and none too fluent; back from a break but runs well fresh and ground to suit.
Promising debut second at Ballinrobe hasn't been backed up in four runs since, out of depth in Grade 3 on latest; needs to settle (hood tried latest now discarded) and jump better entering handicap company.
Breakthrough win came at Limerick on good ground in October; struggled a bit off 7lb higher mark three times since however, although entitled to come on for recent comeback run at same venue; don't rule out.
Lost form after 2m1f Sligo win last August (soft) until much improved when chasing home a ready winner at Leopardstown last month on yielding; no show at Naas since raises questions but has to be considered on that penultimate run.
Galway festival winner on the Flat in 2023 for Emmet Mullins; 0-10 hurdling, five runs for current yard ordinary; much more needed, although handicapper giving him a chance.
Modest Flat maiden was a fine third on hurdling debut at Killarney last August; well below that level twice after but recent handicap debut not without merit when staying on over 2m4f; back in trip here.
Lightly raced mare finished a remote third in 2m2f Downpatrick maiden last summer, didn't back that up here following month, however, on final start for Cian Collins; debuts for Tony Martin in handicap company and market could prove informative.
First reserve; second maiden hurdle run (2m, good) in October was mildly encouraging but subsequently tailed off at Clonmel; could have more to offer entering handicaps but long absence a concern.
Second reserve; AQPS winner in France; disappointing since winning a juvenile maiden hurdle for Gordon Elliott at Galway in October 2023; absent since pulled up on yard debut at Clonmel in October.
