12.35 Happy New Year From All At Cork Maiden Hurdle 2m 190yd

The way Gordon Elliott’s horses are running, one could do worse than simply selecting his horses on their stable form alone, but Speculateur has plenty of appeal besides.

The point-to-point winner probably tired on rules debut in November – his first start since April – when making all to finish fourth in a Punchestown bumper.

The form has worked out well, with the runner-up impressing next time, and connections’ decision to switch to hurdling at this early stage is telling.

The form of Dawn Coming’s third on hurdle bow has also worked out well, but his 12-length defeat next time out was disappointing. The testing ground may have been to blame, and it’s hoped it hasn’t left a mark as he returns eight days later.

The Reverend is an interesting addition to the Willie Mullins stable, having progressed to a rating of 102 over a mile and six furlongs for William Haggas.

SELECTION: SPECULATEUR

Next best: The Reverend

1.05 Goldcrop Rated Novice Hurdle 2m 190yd

The hattrick-seeking Spinola Bay from the in-form Elliott yard is an obvious choice, as he bids to justify his new mark of 113 following his game win at Leopardstown eight days ago.

Tatateo, who finished six and a half lengths behind him, remains on the same mark, with Michael Kenneally claiming a valuable 7lb.

Denis Hogan’s charge ran better at Leopardstown than his finishing position may have suggested, having raced keenly in a prominent position, and under today’s conditions, may be able to reverse the form with Spinola Bay.

The progressive Powerful finished eighth under top weight at Leopardstown, having been raised 7lb for his narrow defeat of Zuzukel at Punchestown the previous month.

The pair rallied clear of the third that day, and the game effort in defeat marked a significant improvement over hurdles for Zuzukel, who is of interest again today.

SELECTION: TATATEO

Next best: Spinola Bay

1.40 ITM Irish Stallion Trail 16th - 17th January Maiden Hurdle 3m

Rebel Budz made a promising start over hurdles in late October, having looked the likely winner two out and was only headed close home by a horse that has won since. He showed signs of inexperience that day and is expected to take a step forward here.

Fillyoureye has chased home seemingly smart prospects on his two starts over hurdles and, as a half-brother to Colreevy, is expected to appreciate this step up in trip. Stamina is less assured by the pedigree of Frankie’s Freebie, who finished six lengths behind him last time out, a fine effort on stable debut.

St Lawrence’s Well is another to have shown promise, but has to bounce back from a poor show on New Year’s Day.

SELECTION: REBEL BUDZ

Next best: Fillyoureye

2.15 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle 2m 4f

Cousin Kate was last off the bridle at Limerick on St Stephen’s Day and appeared to win with something in hand, suggesting that she might be capable of defying the 8lb hike she received for the four-and-a-half-length win. Denis Hogan’s consistent mare appeals even more under Eoin Staples’ 7lb claim today.

The form of Getaway Beo’s debut win in October hasn’t worked out well, including when she was tailed off next time out, but that appeared too bad to be true. She comes here off a workable opening mark and is bred to appreciate the step up in trip.

Missus Beeton had decent form last season but was a no-show on her stable debut in November. That was her first start in 12 months, and if none the worse for it, is of interest off her current mark.

Last year’s winner, Cast A Spell, is now 4lb higher, but more significantly, has a 11-month absence to overcome.

SELECTION: COUSIN KATE

Next best: Getaway Beo

2.47 William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Series Beginners Chase 2m 4f

Kellys Corner is bred to be a better chaser and it’s encouraging that his most recent run in a maiden hurdle was his best.

Mount Shenshan has the benefit of six previous starts over fences, placing on two occasions, including when three and a quarter lengths in front of Lecale’s Diamond in a strung-out field at Tramore in November.

It was the latter’s first start over fences, though he had finished second in a point-to-point that has worked out relatively well, and can be expected to improve further today.

SELECTION: KELLYS CORNER

Next best: Lecale’s Diamond

3.22 Easyfix Equine Handicap Chase 2m 4f

John Flavin’s horses are in fine form, but Midnight Our Fred was the sole disappointment in the past fortnight.

With first-time cheekpieces now removed, one can be hopeful of return to form but he needs a career-best to win off his current mark, which may leave the door open for a less exposed rival.

Al Kalila has shown promise on both his starts over fences and his first was particularly encouraging, chasing home an eight-year-old who was recording his third win over fences.

Bal Kauto has gone up 29lb for his three chase wins, but may be worth a chance down in trip, especially with the benefit of Michael Kenneally’s 7lb claim today.

Cheerful Chap ran well off a similar mark in a listed chase in March and can figure at the finish with a similar effort.

SELECTION: AL KALILA

Next best: Bal Kauto

3.57 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race 2m

Moonverrin shaped with great promise against the opposite sex on debut in late November, when she was beaten a length by the fast-finishing winner and finished two and a half lengths in front of a well-backed Gordon Elliott horse who had won his point-to-point impressively.

Martin Hassett’s mare gets the vote over Kilbarry Alexy, who also made a bright start to her career, when finishing third in an academy hurdle last month. A half-sister to a bumper winner, the daughter of Success Days should produce an improved effort with the benefit of experience, with Michael Kenneally’s 7lb claim another positive.

Owning Flower, who won her sole start between the flags before joining Willie Mullins, is also of interest, while of the newcomers, Poetic Twist appeals as a half-sister to the highly-regarded Starzand, by hot young sire Poet’s Word.

Mary O’G is an interesting prospect as a half-sister to Gerri Colombe, who won both his starts in bumpers, though he is best known for his exploits over fences.

SELECTION: MOONVERRIN

Next best: Kilbarry Alexy