2:45 Matheson Handicap Chase (Grade B) 2m 1f

Pont Aven could be the answer to this valuable handicap. Willie Mullins’s eight-year-old struggled over longer distances last season but since dropping back in trip this season, he has prospered when held up. He ran really well in the race over this course and distance on St Stephen’s Day when he got caught for a bit of toe before the straight but flew home in eye-catching fashion.

He then finished second to Daly Tiger in the Dan & Joan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase, again held up before coming through late, in a race that was run in an excellent time. He may need plenty of luck, but he comes into this off a clear career best and a first-time hood may allow him to settle better.

Epson Du Houx is a clear danger, given the manner of his handicap chase win at Naas last time and that connections had him entered in the Irish Arkle but instead come here to race off a mark of 138. Entoucas has yet to win in four starts over fences but has performed with credit on each occasion. He was fourth in the Daly Tiger Fairyhouse race last time, despite jumping poorly. If he can improve in that department, he could make a breakthrough today.

SELECTION: PONT AVEN

Next best: Epson Du Houx

3:50 Ladbrokes Hurdle (Grade B) 2m

Like so many of the big handicap hurdles in this country, J.P. McManus holds a strong hand. It is very interesting that The Moyglass Flyer is the mount for Mark Walsh. The lightly raced seven-year-old son of Galileo snuck in at the bottom of the 22-runner field and has been well supported in the market. He ran a nice race on his return from a long absence over this course and distance over Christmas (third to Master McShee) and could be nicely tuned up now.

That said, McManus has lots of other chances in this contest and the overall profile of Drop The Anchor appeals more. Pat Fahy’s seven-year-old did very well to win a Grade B handicap hurdle at Listowel, getting up late to beat the well supported Getaway Gorgeous. He was given 7lbs for that short-head win, but has shown on each of his last two starts that he can be competitive in big-money handicaps off his new assessment and, in truth, he has been unlucky. He was brought down when challenging in the handicap hurdle Cayd Boy won at Down Royal and was just about to launch his challenge at Fairyhouse last time when badly hampered by a faller in the race Advanced Virgo won.

That Charles Byrnes-trained runner is noted as a lightly-raced sort who could have more to offer, but Drop The Anchor meets him on much better terms today and can progress again to go close.

SELECTION: DROP THE ANCHOR

Next best: The Moyglass Flyer

4:25 Goffs Future Stars (C&G) I.N.H Flat Race (Grade 2) 2m

It is obviously significant that Patrick Mullins has decided to ride Kilcruit out of the Willie Mullins trio and he possibly had the choice of riding Noble Yeats for his cousin Emmet. Kilcruit was impressive at Navan, cruising to victory under the multiple champion amateur, but Ramillies looked as good when winning over this course and distance at Christmas, recording a very good time in the process.

He looks the play here especially if the market sways heavily towards Kilcruit on account of the jockey bookings. It can’t have been an easy choice for Mullins, and in Barry O’Neill, Ramillies has a top rider on his back and he is fancied to make up for lost time earlier in his career with another win at this course.

Chemical Energy and Noble Yeats are respected, but arguably Letsbeclearaboutit has the best form in this contest, considering he was just four lengths away from Sir Gerhard, conceding the Champion Bumper favourite 3lbs on his previous run at Navan.

He has to give small weight away again but this dual bumper winner should put up another decent show.

SELECTION: RAMILLIES

Next best: Letsbeclearaboutit