Curlew Hill looked like the type ready to take to hurdles when an impressive winner in a Downpatrick bumper last time out. The Gordon Elliot-trained five-year-old got off the mark at the fifth time of asking by 4¼l at the Ulster venue and can take another step forward, despite having to concede weight all around.

The danger may come from Gavin Cromwell’s Presenting Meghan, who was sent off a short-priced favourite at Cork last Sunday before ducking sharply to her right and unseating Conor McNamara at the first flight. If she can get around today, she could well feature at the business end.

SELECTION: CURLEW HILL

Next best: Presenting Meghan

Former Royal Bond winner Mengli Khan scored over the course and distance last month so is respected coming back to this venue. The step up to 2m 6f may not have suited him at Galway and coming back over hurdles could see a much better effort from Luke Dempsey’s mount, though he does have to concede weight all around.

Jaime Sommers was only a length away from him here and the seven-year-old mare is 12lb better off with her rival now which could well be significant. The other worth mentioning is Sayo, whose Apprentice Derby form (finished close second) is working out okay and he wasn’t disgraced either over hurdles when eighth of 18 to Great White Shark in a Grade B contest at Galway last week.

SELECTION: JAIME SOMMERS

Next best: Mengli Khan

Although frustrating to follow recently, Santana Plessis can make it third time lucky over hurdles at Kilbeggan. Second on his last two runs at this course, the Gordon Elliot-trained gelding scored in a bumper over course and distance last July and should have the experience now to get off the mark over hurdles.

Coolbane Boy ran with credit on his last run when second to Jon Ess at Gowran last month.

The former Thurles bumper winner shaped well that day and must be feared, as will Thousand Tears, but the 11-raced maiden may be up against it given he is only rated 107.

SELECTION: SANTANA PLESSIS

Next best: Coolbane Boy

Noel Meade’s In Your Shadow was a nice winner over fences at Tipperary last month and can build on that effort. The lightly raced six-year-old has run well over fences on his last three starts but switches back to timber with Eoin Walsh riding. Although having to deal with top weight, Walsh’s 7lb claim will be significant, and a repeat of that Tipperary performance will not have him far away.

Musical Ava got off the mark at the 28th time of asking, over this course and distance on her previous run. The John Burke-trained eight-year-old scored by an impressive four and a half lengths and may well be able to progress now that she has found a winning habit.

SELECTION: IN YOUR SHADOW

Next best: Musical Ava

This looks like a good opportunity for Doctor Duffy to open his chase account. The three-time hurdle winner, including over this course and distance, has been knocking on the door over fences of late and the return to 3m is likely to suit Charles Byrnes’ charge, with Cathal Landers’ 5lb claim a big help.

The big danger may come from Gordon Elliot’s Aforementioned, who tries three miles for the first time. Having not won since November 2018, he has run with credit on his last two starts when second here and fourth at the Galway festival. An improvement in his jumping can see him involved.

SELECTION: DOCTOR DUFFY

Next best: Aforementioned

The 117-rated Stamp Your Feet got off to the perfect start for new trainer Enda Bolger at Roscommon on his last run and can make it two from two. The eight-year-old by Galileo was struggling to find form in Britain for Tom George, and the switch to Bolger has seemed to spark new life into the J.P. McManus-owned gelding. Mark Walsh takes the ride again and a reproduction of that previous winning effort could be good enough.

Persian Wind had been struggling before racing was shut down, but was a winner when last seen over three miles at Fairyhouse in January. That was off a mark of 105 and although 6lb higher today, a return to form will not have him far away.

SELECTION: STAMP YOUR FEET

Next best: Persian Wind

Third on his debut at Fairyhouse, I A Connect should not have to do much to feature here. A representative from the top team of Gordon Elliot and Jamie Codd, the five-year-old son of Jeremy should be well primed for the challenge and can add to his trainer’s recent good form in bumpers.

Zaccerela ran with credit at Cork last month and that race experience may be significant. Her dam is a half-sister to Battleoverdoyen so it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see the four-year-old build on her previous effort today.

SELECTION: I A CONNECT

Next best: Zaccerela