1.30 SEAMUSWELDON.COM MAIDEN HURDLE 2M1F

Iusetaluvheronce, who has already been placed twice previously at this track, may be good enough to take this weak affair. Paddy Neville’s five-year-old had hinted at ability on a couple of occasions during the winter, before improving on better ground this summer. He has plenty of experience for a race of this nature and the drop back in trip shouldn’t prove too great an inconvenience.

The Major General was a high-class horse on the level, achieving a mark of 109 at his peak. Although he has yet to make any real impression on two starts over hurdles, it would be no surprise to see him fare better now. His owner, JP McManus, loves a winner at this meeting, so he could be primed for a bold showing.

Selection: IUSETALUVHERONCE

Next best: The Major General

2.00 IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF NOVICE HURDLE 2M6F

Robin Des Foret has been ultra consistent in his short career to date, only once finishing outside of the first two. The Willie Mullins-trained gelding has to give weight away to all of his rivals now but looks capable of doing so. He has already seen off a couple of these in previous starts so should be able to confirm form here.

Wonderoftheworld looks the most unexposed runner in the field, so has to be respected on that fact alone. The son of Beneficial had been off the track for over a year prior to easily landing his maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan last time. He was well supported on that occasion so he clearly showed plenty at home. Although he needs to step up another level if he is to make his presence felt now, he certainly looks one worthy of serious consideration.

Selection: ROBIN DES FORET

Next best: Wonderoftheworld

2.35 MCSWEENEY ARMS HOTEL HANDICAP HURDLE 2M6F

Hallmark, who didn’t enjoy much luck in running when second here last month, should go close now with plenty in his favour. The better ground is clearly to his liking, while he has won over 1m5f on the flat, so should relish the longer trip. The cheekpieces which proved a success last time have been retained so everything looks in place for a big run.

Abolitionist has made giant strides since joining his current trainer, improving from a 128-rated handicapper to Irish National third. If he was fully wound up for this race then he would take all the beating but there must be a suspicion connections have one eye on the Kerry National. Even so, if anywhere near ready, then he would be a serious threat to all. Definitely one to monitor closely in the pre-race betting markets as any confidence behind his chances should be noted.

Selection: HALLMARK

Next best: Abolitionist

3.20 MALTON BEGINNERS CHASE 2M1F

Bamako Moriviere was the best of these over hurdles and has run creditably on both starts over fences. A faller early on at Kilbeggan in June, he showed more when a staying on second at Galway last time. Despite the fact he arguably faces stronger opposition now, there was enough promise in the Ballybrit run to make him a leading contender here.

Ancient Sands is a course and distance winner at the track over hurdles, so clearly has a liking for the County Kerry air. John Kiely’s charge has improved with each run over fences, posting a solid effort at Punchestown last time. His stable love to target this particular meeting so it is likely that the nine-year-old has been put aside for the race.

Selection: BAMAKO MORIVIERE

Next best: Ancient Sands

3.45 CLIFFORD GROUND CARE LIMITED NOVICE CHASE 2M4F

Rathvinden has been steadily making up for lost time since going chasing; in doing so, suggesting that he could yet achieve his full potential. A former Neptune Hurdle third, who was off the track for nearly two years subsequently, he has returned in fine form. A winner of his last two starts over fences, including in Grade 3 company at Galway last time, he sets a fair standard for the others to aim at now. It would be no surprise to see him win a big pot over the coming months.

Peregrine Run also made a very promising start to his chasing career but proved no match for Rathvinden at Galway last time. He should get closer now at these revised weights but will need to have improved in order to reverse the placings. It looks a tall order at the present time, although he would be well placed to pick up the pieces should the Mullins horse fail to perform.

Selection: RATHVINDEN

Next best: Peregrine Run

4.20 MSL CORK MERCEDES-BENZ HANDICAP CHASE (GRADE B) 2M4F

Deans Road can resume winning ways prior to a tilt at the Kerry National next month. Henry de Bromhead’s charge was an impressive winner at Listowel in June and was quietly fancied for the Galway Plate. However, he lost all chance when badly hampered at the final fence, eventually weakening right out of contention. It is best to put a line through that run and judge him solely on his previous effort. It is believed that he is a better horse going left handed so that theory can also be put to the test now.

The Gatechecker races from 1lb out of the handicap but looks to have a solid chance off bottom weight. First-time blinkers could bring about further improvement, while the presence of Mark Enright in the saddle is a definite plus. He is one of the strongest lightweight riders in the country so will give him every assistance.

Selection: DEANS ROAD

Next best: The Gatechecker

4.55 JOC METAL FABRICATION LIMITED (PRO/AM) FLAT RACE 2M1F

Poet Power wasn’t that strong in the market when making a winning debut at Galway last month. The fact that her shrewd connections expected the mare to improve for that run only adds to her chances now. On a strict line of form through the runner-up [Grand Chess Master] she has something to find with Santiago De Cuba at these weights but she looks open to more progression.

Santiago De Cuba made a fine winning debut over this course and distance last time, hinting at better to come. He disposed of his opponents with the minimum of fuss so warrants plenty of respect once again. With normal improvement he will be right in the firing line, although the concession of weight to the Mullins mare won’t prove an easy task.

Selection: POET POWER

Next best: Santiago De Cuba

5.30 ML LYNCH CIVIL ENGINEERING FLAT RACE 2M1F

Koroleva seems the obvious starting point in what looks a weak finale. The daughter of King’s Theatre is a sister to a bumper/hurdles winner and a 2m4f hurdle winner. In time she may prove better suited to a longer trip, but if she possesses even moderate ability, she is in the right hands to win a contest such as this one. With those that have already run looking average at best, there must be every possibility the race can go to a newcomer.

Optical Confusion boasts the best form of those that have had a previous start. The 5yo was second in a bumper at Cork last time and now has the services of Champion amateur, Jamie Codd. His race experience could prove a big factor now against largely unexposed opponents.

Selection: KOROLEVA

Next best: Optical Confusion