2.36 Bar 1 Betting Hatton’s Grace Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f

Ballyburn: Top-class novice hurdler two seasons ago. Chasing campaign was hit and miss last term, and his jumping let him down on occasions. Has a big engine and can show it again now reverting to hurdles, though has been expensive for punters to follow lately and stable’s runners not all trained to peak for this time of year.

Casheldale Lad: Lots to like about the way he’s progressing but this is by far his biggest test and officially has 16lb to find with stablemate Teahupoo.

Glen Kiln: Massive improver through the last 12 months and was well placed by connections to earn €30,000 for finishing a distant second to Lossiemouth last weekend. Trip to suit but rated 17lb behind Teahupoo.

Maxxum: Made all for a Grade 2 hurdle win at this track last Easter, so has the ability to get into the frame, but hasn’t looked Grade 1 class as of yet. Ordinary reappearance at Navan recently.

Mystical Power: Excellent novice hurdler but looked a shadow of himself last term. Obviously talented if back on song, though hard to have major faith after last season.

Teahupoo: Elite-level staying hurdler has form figures of 112112 at Fairyhouse and was seeking a hat-trick in this race 12 months ago when bumping into Lossiemouth (and connections possibly didn’t get their tactics ideally either). Smart record when fresh and signed off last season with a decisive Punchestown Festival win - his fifth at Grade 1 level.

Conclusion

This appears to be a duel between Ballyburn and Teahupoo, with Gordon Elliott’s Hatton’s Grace regular favoured given his proven record of showing up well here on his first start of the season. He’s got the more established form in senior company, albeit Ballyburn might have the necessary pace to give him a scare at this trip.