2.40 BARONERACING.

COM HATTONS GRACE

HURDLE (GRADE 1)

2M 4F RTÉ 2

Bapaume: Leading juvenile hurdler in 2017 but struggled in the top division last season. His recent win in France gives every indication that he could be on the way back. Not one to rule out of calculations.

Dortmund Park: Grade 1 winner at Punchestown last season who ran much better than final placing suggests on recent Navan reappearance. Has work to do to beat the established performers here but should improve from last run.

Early Doors: Looked a very well handicapped horse when third at Cheltenham but failed to back that up when sent off favourite at Punchestown. More needed now and unlikely to be up to this level at this early stage of his career.

Shaneshill: Has been mixing it between hurdles and chasing recently. Should run without quite being good enough to play a serious part in the latter stages of the contest.

Supasundae: Proved to be a really adaptable hurdler at the highest level last season, holding his own in the best of company over both 2m and 3m. Will be ideally suited to this intermediate trip where his blend of speed and stamina make him a potent force.

Sutton Place: Lightly raced seven-year-old who would be a threat to all if at his peak. Disappointed on his final start over fences last season and reverts to hurdles now. The faster they go the better it will suit this son of Mahler.

Wicklow Brave: Expertly placed to win four races in a row over the summer/autumn. Struggled when asked to compete in Grade 1 company of late but owes no one anything at this stage of his career. Would be no more popular winner should be have one last big day in him.

Farclas: Real tough juvenile hurdler last season, winning the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Big ask taking on the older horses here and may just find it too much at this stage of his career.

Apple’s Jade: Was never quite right last season but bounced back to her brilliant best when landing the Lismullen Hurdle at Navan on her reappearance. Looks the one to beat here is truly recovered from whatever held her back during her last campaign.

Limini: Returned from a lengthy absence to run well on the flat this summer. Has always been held in high regard by connections so would be no surprise to see her make up for lost time over hurdles.

VERDICT

APPLE’S JADE still has a few questions to answer after a fruitless campaign last season but looked back to her brilliant best last time. Supasundae will be more at home than most over this intermediate trip so has to be afforded plenty of respect.