John O’Riordan

1.45 GOLF MEMBERSHIP 2018 FROM 500EUROS 3YO HURDLE 2M

Apparition was the best of these on the flat and may be good enough to make a winning debut over flights. The O’Brien gelding should have no trouble with testing conditions, having gone close in a decent handicap on heavy ground at the Curragh on his most recent outing. He is sure to be well schooled as his trainer does very well with similar types.

Masterstonemason is a moderate handicapper on the level but has found his feet since going hurdling. He was only just touched off at Listowel last time and sets a fair standard on that form.

Selection: APPARITION

Next best: Masterstonemason

2.15 THOMASTOWN HANDICAP HURDLE 2M

High School Days won twice on the flat in France and should be primed for this handicap debut having gained plenty experience in maiden company.

Following his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse (finished 8th) he has been placed on each of his last four starts so arrives here in good form. He could just have been let in lightly, especially taking his riders claim into account.

Alterno was a very easy winner on yielding ground at Downpatrick last time out. He needs to show that he can be equally effective on this softer surface but will be a leading contender if capable of doing so.

Selection: HIGH SCHOOL DAYS

Next best: Alterno

2.50 TATTERSALLS IRELAND IRISH EBF AUCTION MAIDEN HURDLE 2M4F

Delayed Eloquence had finished second in five consecutive starts prior to disappointing over fences last time. It is surely significant that Ruby Walsh has retained the ride, as he doesn’t partner that many for the O’Brien stable. With the champion jockey appearing to back her chances it is hard to get away from the six-year-old here.

Cluan Dara was just denied in a similar race at Listowel last time so looks the chief danger should the O’Brien mare fail to live up to expectations. He only needs to reproduce his latest run in order to be a leading player.

Selection: DELAYED ELOQUENCE

Next best: Cluan Dara

3.25 KILKENNY RACING FESTIVAL HANDICAP HURDLE (GRADE B) 3M

Ned Stark is a speculative selection on his first start for the Gordon Elliott team. Formerly a decent handicap chaser for Alan King, he is fairly treated over hurdles and has run well fresh in the past. Ground and trip should hold no fears, although the market may provide the best guide as to his readiness for this contest.

Ben Button has been a revelation since joining Willie Mullins, winning three times, including at the Listowel festival last time. He is likely to have had this nice prize at his trainers local track as a target for some time. It would be a mistake to assume he has reached his peak just yet.

Selection: NED STARK

Next best: Ben Button

4.00 PWC CHAMPION CHASE (GRADE 2) 2M4F

Shaneshill may be good enough to reverse recent Galway Plate form with Balko Des Flos at these revised weights. A former high-class Grade 1 hurdler/chaser, he appears to have lost none of his ability so is taken to claim this valuable early season prize. Neither trip nor ground will be an issue and he has already won at this track.

Balko Des Flos was an impressive winner of the Galway feature and could be a young horse on the upgrade. He certainly has more scope for improvement than any of his rivals so would be a worthy winner.

Selection: SHANESHILL

Next best: Balko Des Flos

4.35 KILKENNY RIVERCOURT HOTEL HANDICAP CHASE 3M1F

Riviera Sun was a dour winner of the Galway Blazers Handicap Chase last time; a win which earned him a 6lb rise. That increased weight is offset by his riders claim now, a move which brings him right back into contention. He looks capable of conceding weight to this small field in which the handicap is relatively tight.

Icantsay was an easy winner at Listowel recently so has to be given careful consideration once again. He has been hit by the handicapper but may still have something up his sleeve.

Selection: RIVIERA SUN

Next best: Icantsay

5.10 JOIN OUR RACING CLUB BEGINNERS CHASE 2M2F

Former point-to-point winner Gurteen could represent some value if at his peak for this seasonal debut. A bumper/hurdle winner last season, he lost his way somewhat towards the end of the campaign. However, he showed plenty on his chasing debut at Navan last November, so is already proven at this level.

De Name Escapes Me would have been one of the best of these horses over hurdles so is interesting on his chasing debut. He didn’t get much chance to show what he could do on his sole start between the flags as early mistakes put paid to his chances.

Selection: GURTEEN

Next best: De Name Escapes Me