Last year's winner A Nod To Getaway has been in good form but he might need softer ground. Newport and I'm For Home are not discounted dropped back in trip but SPLENDID CHOICE gets the vote after his promising run at Limerick. He will have no issues with the conditions and his rider's 5lb claim could prove to be crucial. [Dave Stephens]
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Dual-purpose; three time winner over hurdles; last won off 100 at Killarney (2m4f, good) in August; raised 8lb and out of form since but is now back to that last winning mark, though he'd probably prefer further than this.
0-4 over timber; best effort a 12l second of 14 at Limerick in November; has returned from a break with two moderate efforts in beginners' chases; best watched on handicap debut with the hood reapplied.
Veteran is 1-11 over hurdles but that win was in 2021; best form on testing ground and has been off the track for 427 days; entitled to need this on his return; others appeal more.
Just mild promise in maiden hurdles, his best effort an 8.75l fourth of 7 at Bellewstown last month; beaten 23l on handicap debut at Naas (2m, gd-yld) previously and just 2lb lower here; cheekpieces worn that day return; in good hands may need more time.
One of two for yard; three-time Flat winner is 0-18 over timber; running okay without threatening to win recently, beaten 7.25l on latest at Limerick (2m, good); down 1lb but needs the first-time tongue tie to eke out more.
Sole win came in this contest last year on soft ground off 83 and is 12lb higher now; running well in defeat recently, including a 4.25l second of 18 at Cork last month (2m, yielding); will be primed for this but good ground a worry.
Offered something to work with in his first two maiden hurdles at 2m1f; not as good the last twice and now makes his handicap debut after a 237 day break; tendency to jump right a worry; best watched unless the market speaks.
0-7 over hurdles for Matthew Daly but has shown ability; best efforts in handicaps on testing ground at Punchestown and Thurles over 2m7f; shorter trip and quicker ground concerns on debut for new yard; watch.
0-12 over hurdles; signs of progress when a 4.5l fourth of 12 at Limerick (2m, good) off 90 last month; effectively 6lb lower here with rider's claim, good ground fine and place chance at least with a repeat of that latest effort.
0-9 over hurdles; went close in a 2m Gowran maiden (good) last October; hasn't threatened since tackling handicaps, beaten 70l latest in first-time cheekpieces (discarded); down 1lb but needs more.
Dual-purpose maiden is 0-8 over hurdles; ran on well for a 6.25l fourth of 18 on handicap debut at Thurles (2m, good) off 90 and 3lb lower now; blinkers worn when pulled up latest are replaced by cheekpieces (wore them at Thurles); not discounted down in trip.
Second runner for yard; 0-7 over hurdles; long odds for all four starts in maidens and first three handicaps and yet to finish closer than 32l to the winner; hard to make a case for on form.
Best effort for Barry Fitzgerald a 0.5l second at Limerick (2m, heavy) in April 2024 off 86; nowhere near that form in four runs since; tongue tie and cheekpieces on for stable debut; unproven on good ground and can only be watched.
0-13 over hurdles; not a bad effort on latest when a 12.5l third of 11 at Downpatrick (2m6f, good), not quite getting home under a positive ride; drops back in trip; place chance off the same mark.
First reserve; not many positives to take from four maiden hurdle runs; cheekpieces added to tongue tie for handicap debut; not obviously well treated; best watched.
Second reserve; 0-9 over hurdles; best effort to date a 10.5l seventh of 15 on heavy at Limerick; beaten 37l on latest at Down Royal (2m1f, gd-yld) after a 248 day break; worth a market check if getting a run in first-time hood for shrewd yard.
Third reserve; 4-37 over hurdles, including a win over C&D in July 2023 off 10lb lower; respectable efforts last three starts but has never won off a mark this high over timber; likes it here though and each way shout if gets a run.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
