12.50 Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors ‘€50,000 Cheltenham Bonus For Stable Staff’ Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 6f

Assemble: Returned from 11 months off to defeat two subsequent winners in a Fairyhouse bumper in November and followed-up with a game success on his hurdling debut at Limerick a month later. This longer trip shouldn’t be a problem, but he will need to improve again.

Cobbler’s Way: Highly promising sort who took advantage of a last-flight error by The Big Getaway to win a 2m 4f maiden hurdle at Christmas. Should progress further and looks up to holding his own in graded company, so he isn’t one to dismiss with the step up to this trip looking likely to suit.

Elixir D’Ainay: Impressed in winning a maiden hurdle in November and turned in a cracking effort over 2m 4f last time when giving Envoi Allen a good test before losing out by 3½l. A replication of that last run entitles him to take beating.

Fury Road: Has enjoyed a perfect season to date with three wins, the latest of which came in a 3m Grade 2 at Limerick over Christmas.

This is by far his biggest test but he looks a classy staying novice who has yet to reach his limit over hurdles. A strong showing is anticipated.

Latest Exhibition: Quality sort who showed his true colours when upped to 2m 4f at Navan in mid-December and lowered the colours of Andy Dufresne. He can surely do better still and is another that commands maximum respect.

Longhouse Poet: Lost out by 1¾l against Elixir D’Ainay in a Naas maiden on his comeback and, after winning at Navan next time, he finished 3½l behind his aforementioned rival in the race won by Envoi Allen at Naas. After just four runs, he could easily have more to offer.

Aircraft Carrier: Was rated 100 at his peak on the flat and showed promise on his second run over hurdles when he was sixth in a maiden won by The Bosses Oscar, but his maiden runs either side of that showing leave him facing a daunting task.

Home By The Lee: Very useful dual bumper winner and got off the mark over hurdles at Fairyhouse last month with a defeat of the useful Aione in a 2m 4f maiden. Looks a nice type but he will have to take a significant step forward for this assignment.

Conclusion

A cracking turnout which features a number of runners who could win a Grade 1 before the end of the season. On this occasion, preference is for Elixir D’Ainay who ran so well behind Envoi Allen. A similar display could make him hard to beat. He is taken to see off Fury Road, who has yet to meet with defeat over hurdles. Latest Exhibition is sure to be involved. Longhouse Poet isn’t one to underestimate.