John O’Riordan

1.00 BAR ONE RACING

ROYAL BOND NOVICE

HURDLE (GRADE 1) 2M

Hardline: Unlucky on his first two starts over hurdles, falling when looking the winner each time. Possibly still feeling the effects of those spills when disappointing slightly on his next few runs, he has looked a different horse this season. A winner of his last two starts, he should again go well here but faces altogether stronger opposition.

Morgan: One of the more experienced runner in the lineup - winner of three of his 10 starts over flights. Proved no match for stablemate Mengli Khan at Navan last time and unlikely to get any closer now.

Early Doors: Lightly raced type who has won three of his four starts. Improved to win a Grade 3 contest at Naas last time but this is a much stiffer task. Open to further improvement given his brief career but will need to be ultra smart to take this competitive renewal.

Le Richebourg: Unbeaten in three starts over hurdles and represents leading connections. Had a big reputation last season before ever setting foot on the racetrack in a bumper. Took time to show his true worth but is beginning to do so now. No surprise to see him involved.

Makitorix: Only won one of his nine starts in France but that is often the case with these Mullins recruits. Made no mistake on his Irish debut when bolting up at Listowel. On the bare form of what he has shown to date he would look beatable but as he is his stable’s sole representative they must be expecting a big run.

Mengli Khan: Easily won his maiden hurdle at Navan in September before following up in Grade 3 class at the same track last time. It was the manner of that latter victory that really impressed - travelling strongly and jumping with aplomb. On that evidence he looks a seriously talented hurdler who could go right to the very top.

Red Jack: Yet to taste defeat on three racecourse appearances, he is a horse with huge potential. The Noel Meade-trained four-year-old has done all that could be asked of him to date and was impressive on his hurdling debut at Naas last time. It is difficult to know just how good he could be so he deserves plenty of respect in a wide open contest.

VERDICT: Mengli Khan was hugely impressive at Navan last time, looking as though he could develop into a leading hurdler in time. A high class handicapper on the flat, he could be even better in his new discipline. Red Jack is unbeaten thus far and has always been well regarded. He won’t go down without a fight and looks a real threat.