1.15 Nathaniel Lacy Solicitors Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

2m 6f 53yd

Doctor Steinberg: Impressive on both his starts over hurdles; firstly, with Frankie John in second, and then went clear in a Grade 2 at Navan, with runner-up Thedeviluno boosting the form with a Grade 2 win at Doncaster last weekend. That was on soft to heavy, in a race previously won by the likes of The Yellow Clay, Slade Steel and Inthepocket, earning him favouritism for the Albert Bartlett.

Frankie John: Game winner of a maiden hurdle here at the Christmas Festival, beating Jalon D’oudairies by half a length. Reportedly unsuited by tacky ground next time out, he still has something to find at Grade 1 level.

Jalon D’oudairies: Cheltenham Champion Bumper third went close behind Frankie John here at Christmas, the pair pulling clear of the remainder. Useful, certainly, but not guaranteed to be Grade 1 calibre over hurdles.

Kazansky: Maiden hurdle win lacked form but there was a lot to like about last month’s win in a Grade 2 at Limerick, over two miles and seven furlongs on heavy ground. Likely unsuited by the steady pace, he showed a game attitude and finished four lengths clear of Yeshil in third. Jack Kennedy’s choice here.

Love Me Tender: Unbeaten record ended here at Christmas, beaten over eight lengths into third in the Grade 1 over two miles. Bred to get further, but he needs to tidy up his jumping and has never run on ground softer than yielding.

Riskaway: Impressive on hurdle debut, but a beaten favourite on heavy ground next time. Granted, the winner is talented, but Riskaway had a fitness edge, and is expected to be found wanting again here.

Santo Sospir: We didn’t learn much at Clonmel last time, when his best rival crashed out at the second last, leaving a much lower-rated mare to chase him home. Maiden hurdle win also has questionable form, and while he may improve upped in trip, his stamina might not stretch as far on ground as testing as this.

Tackletommywoowoo: Has won three of his last four starts, including a listed handicap hurdle in which the runner-up since impressed in a Grade 3. On the up, from a yard that often exceeds expectations, but needs a career-best to feature here.

Yeshil: Third behind Kazansky in a Grade 2 last time and little reason to see why he could reverse the form today.

Conclusion

Doctor Steinberg currently heads the betting for both this and the Albert Bartlett and, particularly after Thedeviluno’s performance at Doncaster last weekend, is a deserving favourite for both. He is expected to provide Willie Mullins with a record-extending 11th win in this race, while the progressive and game Kazansky is predicted to claim runner-up honours. Last month’s gritty performance on heavy ground strengthens his chances after this week’s weather.