1.40 Tattersalls Ireland Spring Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m

Busselton: Looked a nice type when making a winning start over hurdles at Auteuil during the summer and started off in Ireland in pleasing fashion by chasing home Zanahiyr in a Grade 2 at this track in December.

That last race was a muddling affair but he could easily do better still and he warrants respect.

Ha d’Or: Promising French import who caught the eye on his hurdling debut when third to Zanahiyr in a Grade 2 in December where he finished well off a steady pace. There should be any amount of improvement to come from him.

Quilixios: Very promising type who impressed on his only two Irish outings in the autumn, winning easily at Punchestown and Down Royal.

This represents a huge rise in class but those initial efforts hinted that he could be a Grade 1-performer in the making and he looks a foremost contender.

Saint Sam: Won twice in France but has found things a little tougher since coming to Ireland as he has met with two defeats at the hands of Zanahiyr. His last run behind that horse was quite respectable but this race probably demands more.

Varna Gold: Got off the mark in a maiden hurdle at Killarney in October but has since been well beaten by Quilixios and he has a mountain to climb now that he moves up to this level.

Youmdor: Made a bright start in Ireland with a smooth win at Gowran in November and would probably have followed up in a winners’ event at Fairyhouse last month only to fall at the last, although Teahupoo looked as though he would make him work for that success. He remains a juvenile of some promise and is well worth his place at this level.

Verdict

An interesting clash of some very promising sorts even though the race will take place without Zanahiyr and French Aseel. Quilixios looked a juvenile of considerable potential in the autumn and he might make it four wins on the spin.

Admittedly he is taking a huge rise in class but he gave the impression on his first two Irish starts that he could his own at this level. He is preferred to Youmdor who would probably have won at Fairyhouse last time but for falling at the last. Ha d’Or shaped well here at Christmas and is not one to underestimate.