Up at the top of the weights, Cloughroe and Person Of Interest arrive here on the back of runner-up finishes and command respect. Stellar Symphony is another to make the shortlist, while Arthor was well-backed last time and is a player if okay after his fall. The tentative vote goes to KADYS DIRHA, who was strong in the betting at Tipperary last week and last summer's form brings the mare right into the picture. [Adrian Wall]
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Maiden is 0-4 in chases; well beaten first three starts in this sphere but improved on handicap chase debut when beaten a neck at Killarney (20.5f, yielding) 10 days ago; up 3lb but entitled to go well again.
Improved on first start for Shark Hanlon when runner-up on chase debut at Downpatrick (19.5f, good) off 2lb lower; they pulled well clear and he should relish the extra distance here.
Surprise winner at Tramore (2m6f, yielding) last month off 89; better than bare result at Kilbeggan on latest when pecked on landing and almost unseated when making good headway; not ruled out.
Hit form approaching the start of autumn last year, winning over fences at Killarney and hurdles at Galway; pulled up off career-high hurdles mark at Fairyhouse in January; capable of bouncing back.
Won Kilbeggan handicap hurdle (2m3f, good to yielding) last summer under 5lb claimer; ran well for long way on second chase start when sixth at Clonmel; well-backed when disappointing in handicap hurdle here on latest; the jury is out.
Both hurdle wins have been at 3m on decent ground, including at Clonmel last October; belatedly tried over fences when midfield at Wexford last month; beaten a neck over hurdles at Cork (24.5f) 12 days ago; don't rule out.
Finished third in 19.5f handicap chase on this card last year off 95; last won over fences at Tipperary in July 2023; has largely struggled for form of late; others preferred.
Maiden hurdle winner at Kilbeggan (2m, good to yielding) in 2023; respectable hurdles run at that same venue last week but has modest chase form; risky.
Patchy form over hurdles but improved on his chase debut when close third at Sligo (3m2f, good) off this mark in October; not as good at Punchestown next time; chance if the jumping brushes up a bit.
Record of 0-25 under rules but is a better chaser; backed from 50-1 into 10-1 before the off when fifth in 3m1f Tipperary maiden hurdle eight days ago; had three runner-up finishes in handicap chases last summer; each-way contender.
Modest 21-race maiden under rules; won point-to-point in January; ran okay in Wexford handicap chase last month; fell at the sixth when sent off joint-favourite at Tramore nine days later; not dismissed.
Tailed off in hunter chase after winning point-to-point last year; had fair hurdles form a long time ago but has shown little this year; cheekpieces tried now.
Record of 0-10 over hurdles, best effort when third of 16 at Punchestown (20.5f, good to yielding) last May; off since October; would be of interest if the market vibes are strong on chase debut.
