Last year's winner Knockiel Synge makes plenty of appeal on the horses-for-courses basis. However, it looks as if FRALIMONTI BILBERY, whose trainer won this two years ago, has his measure on Knockanard running. Cloudy Tuesday had a below-par Knockiel Synge behind at Lingstown and should also enter calculations. Enda Bolger's chance of winning this race for a 12th time as a trainer probably hinges on second reserve Keep On Dreaming getting a run since Well Buoy is hard to fancy. [Alan Sweetman]
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Twice successful in hunters' chases; not at his best in points this season; third of four finishers behind Cloudy Tuesday over the banks course at Knockanard on latest; no experience of this track and has to contend with a penalty.
Four wins and seven places from 19 starts in points; fair third behind the smart Fountain House at Dromahane last time; previously coped well with the demands of the banks course at Knockanard, though favourite Knockiel Synge appeared to have an off day; has a penalty.
Jumped well and made all for a 20-1 game success in this race last year, beating a 33-1 shot; unseated at the 16th when tackling stronger opposition later that week; has a modest record in points (2-28) and has been beaten three times over banks this season, including when second to the talented Fountain House at Lingstown, failed to uphold form with Fralimonto Berry at Knockanard.
Point winner two seasons ago; fair form under rules last season, second over 2m5f at Clonmel and third over 3m at Fairyhouse; twice fourth in hunter chases this term; first attempt at this course.
Has developed into a consistent pointer and has picked up bank-race experience at Lingstown, where he finished in front of Knockiel Synge last month; autumn form also included two satisfactory runs behind the smart Fountain House; rider (24 wins in points this season) good value for 7lb claim; trainer won this in 2023.
Second in a maiden hunter chase at Downpatrick last May; 2-12 in points; placed in three small-field events during the autumn campaign, including twice behind the progressive Willitgoahead; failed to make an impact in Limerick's maiden hunter chase at Christmas.
Is 2-19 in point-to-points; last win came on good ground last May; fair fourth in a recent hunters' chase at Tramore; plenty to find with a few of these on Lingstown running; top rider aboard.
Point winner in 2023; was still in with a chance when falling three out at Tinahely on his first run after a long absence; has struggled in two more recent outings.
Experienced here and over the banks course at Lingstown; career highlight when third to Vital Island in this race in 2022, also a fair sixth in a strong race later that week; in touch when unseated five out in this last season; held by several of these on Lingstown running in November and last month.
Is 1-12 in points; ran a fine race to take third behind Knockiel Synge and Fountain House here a year ago; that in contrast to his mishaps at the 2022 festival when he refused on two occasions; poor prep run at Ballyknock on his first outing since last May; trainer won this in 2022.
Recent point winner at the fourth attempt; finished behind three of these rivals when sixth to Vital Island at Lingstown; accomplished 7lb claimer has ridden 25 winners in points this season and landed the Kim Muir; trainer won this in 2022.
Placed in a bumper for Harry Kelly last summer; point winner on good ground at Rathcannon in November; struggled over this course in February; last of seven finishers behind Fountain House at Thurles; transformation needed, and hard to make a case despite his trainer's mastery of this discipline.
Homebred out of the useful Nadiya De La Vega who has produced two winners, including Norwigi for this stable; in the frame in three outings in points since January; potentially interesting with Derek O'Connor lined up for the ride; Enda Bolger has won this 11 times as a trainer; second reserve.
Brother to the Dan Skelton-trained Jet Plane, winner of seven races and second in this year's Aintree Foxhunter; no success in six starts in points; third reserve.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
