REST OF THE CARD

1.30 IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF MARES HANDICAP HURDLE 2M 2F

Toe The Line can follow up last month’s maiden hurdle success at this track. On that occasion the eight-year-old looked to relish the switch to better ground as she registered a smooth 3l triumph over Bargy Lady. The ground will be somewhat slower this time but this shouldn’t unduly compromise her chances and she has a good opportunity to continue her progression over hurdles.

I’m All You Need is not without a chance as she looks to improve on placed runs in handicaps won Definite Ruby and Charlie Stout. She has 5l to make up on Mill Quest on their meeting behind Definite Ruby but she is 3lbs better off and this slightly shorter trip could suit her.

Selection: TOE THE LINE

Next best: I’m All You Need

2.00 1888 RESTAURANT HANDICAP HURDLE 2M

A speculative vote goes to Velvet Maker whose last run over hurdles came when he finished down the field in the 2015 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. At his best this gelding is a decent sort and his yard has enjoyed a notable upturn in its fortunes in the last few weeks. This eight-year-old hasn’t run for 11 months but his trainer is capable of readying horses off long breaks and Velvet Maker tends to run well fresh. Joshua Lane finished third in this race last year and hasn’t run at all badly on his last two outings. His jumping has let him down in the past and this is of concern, but he could still mount a strong challenge. Lagostovegas has a strong chance on either of her last two runs while Canelie is an intriguing newcomer to handicaps.

Selection: VELVET MAKER

Next best: Joshua Lane

4.30 LEOPARDSTOWN INN HUNTERS CHASE 3M 60YDS

Staker Wallace is a decidedly hopeful choice but he looks a recruit of substantial promise to this discipline. In two runs over hurdles last season this King’s Theatre gelding showed promise, notably when running much better than his fourth in a listed novice hurdle at Punchestown would suggest. He was a smooth winner at Kilfeacle last month when switched to point-to-point and it is interesting that connections opt to line him up in a race where they also field On The Fringe.

Foxrock comes here in excellent heart having won hunter chases at Down Royal and Thurles. He beat former Gold Cup second On His Own at Thurles and he is a high-class recruit to this discipline.

On The Fringe is one of the all time great hunter chasers and has carried all before him at Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown for the last two seasons. He did win this race back in 2011 but has been beaten in it four times since then and he will be vulnerable on his return to action.

Selection: STAKER WALLACE

Next best: Foxrock

5.00 LEOPARDSTOWN CLUB MEMBERSHIP (PRO/AM) FLAT RACE 2M

On his debut at the Punchestown Festival Someday showed a good deal of promise to finish a ½l second to the smart Cilaos Emery. He hasn’t run since but he should be all the better for that first course experience and this earns him the vote over others with placed form. Imperial Way’s efforts in bumpers include runner-up finishes to a pair of Cheltenham hopefuls in Getabird and Bakmaj. He has a solid chance along with Line Out who was probably entitled to finish closer when beaten 5l by Quick Grabim here in December.

Its All Guesswork can improve from his first run while Remastered is an intriguing runner. The four-year-old gets a useful weight for age concession and his rider claims a further 7lbs, and he is out of a listed-placed own-sister to the very smart Le Vent D’Antan.

Selection: SOMEDAY

Next best: Imperial Way