2:00 Unibet Morgiana Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 110yds

Klassical Dream: Prospered as second-season novice hurdler last season, winning his maiden hurdle at Leopardstown on St Stephen’s Day and then going from strength to strength to record three Grade 1 wins. Most impressive over this course and distance when too good for Aintree Grade 1 winner Felix Desjy so perfect combined with soft ground, today’s test looks like a perfect opportunity for him to open his account as a senior hurdler.

Petit Mouchoir: Probably paid the price for taking on Ballyoisin in Grade 3 Tipperary contest on his seasonal debut. Even giving him that, he looked short of the top level last season so has a bit of work to do. More encouraging is that his best run last term came when a close fourth to Buveur D’Air over this course and distance, and he also has fitness on side now.

Saldier: Popular choice as a horse to follow this season given on his previous run he was upsides subsequent Champion Hurdle winner Espoir D’Allen this time last year in the Fishery Lane at Naas. It still takes a bit of imagination to expect that he would have taken on a similar trajectory. He won the Four Year Old Champion Hurdle at the Festival here two seasons ago but this is a huge step up for him now and has a long layoff to defy.

Sharjah: Last year’s winner is something of a forgotten horse, possibly because he was one of a number of happenings in the Champion Hurdle (brought down by Buveur D’Air). Came into this last season having won the Galway Hurdle and went on to win Grade 1 Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas. You can poke holes in that form and unlike last season when he arrived on the crest of a wave, he makes his seasonal debut and so is on a level playing field fitness-wise today.

Yaha Fizz: Big ask here considering the horse he is closest to here in terms of ratings is 20lbs above him. Third in a fairly average beginners chase when last seen so he looks like a 100/1 shot today. Still, connections will be happy to pick up the prize money with only five runners taking part.

Verdict

On official ratings, Sharjah has 3lb in hand over Klassical Dream but the latter, though he doesn’t have as much scope to progress as other novices, should be able to improve past his stablemate today with his ideal conditions. Whatever the case, Willie Mullins looks odds-on to make it win number nine in this two-mile contest.