Ascending is a classy hurdler who could still have better days ahead of him on the Flat but the same is true of SATURN who was good value for his narrow winning margin at Navan and has only been raised 3lb. Dutch Gold and Dark Oak have each-way chances. [Alistair Jones]
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Placed in a Group 1 over 1m2f last year; bought for 260,000euros last November; weak in the betting when tenth of 16 in a 1m2f handicap here 17 days ago (first-time tongue-tie now removed); won't mind this drier surface and could have a role to play.
Won three times last year including a high-profile 1m4f handicap at the Curragh; could have run better of late, including when last of six behind Saturn at Navan in April.
Smart handicap form in 2023 but below par during a light campaign last year and was entitled to run better in a Listed race last month; bit to prove right now.
Lightly raced 5yo and generally progressive; returning from 282 days off when emerging from off the pace to win narrowly at Navan (1m6f, good) and entitled to strip fitter for that; 3lb rise is very fair.
Very useful hurdler and running well on the Flat when last seen, comfortably justifying odds-on favouritism on the AW in November (2m); effective at this trip and firmly enters the reckoning.
Sixth of 23 behind Kopek Des Bordes in a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas; first run since when fifth of 15 from off the pace at Leopardstown (1m2f, good) and that was encouraging; possibilities.
Looks a better horse on the AW than on turf with all three career wins coming at Dundalk; only fifth of seven there in February after nearly a year out, so there are wellbeing issues.
Returns to the Flat after finishing placed in two hurdles this spring and has competitive form off this mark; an assured stayer who should be on the scene.
Pulled up on handicap debut over hurdles last week at Punchestown; close fourth on the AW in March and was a three-time Flat winner last year, the last twice over 1m4f on good ground; might not have a lot in hand off current mark, though.
Dual-purpose winner who goes on any ground; respectable fifth of 16 after a break over 1m2f here 17 days ago but he's 4lb out of the weights, which is never ideal.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
