3.45 Ladbrokes Hurdle (Grade B) 2m

Buildmeupbuttercup shaped like one who could win a big handicap hurdle this season when she chased home Janidil in a valuable contest at Fairyhouse two months ago. On that occasion she travelled through the race supremely well before losing out early on the run-in.

Interestingly, she has been kept under wraps since then and she looks ready to realise the potential she showed when winning a Navan maiden hurdle last winter.

She is preferred to Thatsy who shaped up well for one with such little experience when finishing fourth to The Moyglass Flyer in a handicap over this course and distance in December. He was beaten 3½l that day but the experience he picked up in that first handicap will stand to him.

Unexcepted is a fascinating runner. He looked a potentially top-drawer novice hurdler when winning a Fairyhouse maiden in November, but a step up to 2m4f at Limerick over Christmas looked to stretch his stamina to breaking point.

He has relative inexperience to overcome but remains a horse of substantial potential. Golden Jewel finished a place in front of Thatsy last time and has prospects of getting involved. He makes most appeal of those at bigger prices.

Selection: BUILDMEUPBUTTERCUP

Next best: Thatsy

2.35 Matheson Handicap Chase (Grade B) 2m1f

Batcio may represent some each-way value here, despite being a pound out of the handicap. Ted Walsh has the eight-year-old in tremendous heart at present, as evidenced by his recent second placed finish over this course and distance. With the form of that race having been franked on a couple of occasions since, he looks a well-handicapped horse at the foot of the weights.

Eclair De Beaufeu was a very useful handicap hurdler last season, including when placed in the valuable Ladbrokes Hurdle at the corresponding meeting. Having kept much stronger company in his forays over fences to date, he will appreciate this drop in class. Sean O’Keeffe claims a very valuable 5lbs which could prove crucial in the latter stages.

SELECTION: BATCIO

Next best: Eclair De Beaufeu

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

Eric Bloodaxe looks an exciting prospect having impressed on both his outings to date. An easy winner on his debut at Fairyhouse, he then stepped up to win a stronger contest over this course and distance at Christmas.

Having already set a standard in line with an average Cheltenham bumper winner, the Joseph O’Brien runner should take all the beating as he bids to maintain his perfect record.

Appreciate It won what is traditionally a well-contested bumper at the Christmas festival. On that occasion he made all over the 2m 4f trip, keeping on well in the straight. The drop back to the minimum distance could be an issue but he won’t make it easy for any horse to pass him.

SELECTION: ERIC BLOODAXE

Next best: Appreciate It