2.10 FOXROCK CUP HURDLE 2M 2F

Tombstone is well treated by the race conditions and gets the vote even though he mightn’t have quite as much to spare as ratings indicate. He was beaten a long way in the Irish Champion Hurdle last time but this represents a huge drop in class and his previous third to Espoir D’allen in a decent race in Naas is a more representative illustration of his chances.

That Naas run and his third to Sharjah here at Christmas are strong pieces of form in the context of this race and he is preferred to the in-form and consistent Oscars Den who recorded a deserved victory when landing a 2m handicap hurdle at Navan off a mark of 120 last month.

Three Stars was a smart novice hurdler several seasons ago and a return to that form could make him dangerous, but he has looked out of sorts over fences lately.

SELECTION: TOMBSTONE

Next best: Oscars Den

2.40 DONOHOE MARQUEES MAIDEN HURDLE 2M 4F

A tricky contest and a hopeful vote goes to the dual bumper winner The Red Menace. His last two runs over hurdles are quite respectable and he may not need to improve that much on either his third to Dallas Des Pictons at Punchestown or his previous sixth to Malinas Jack here at Christmas.

He might have most to fear from the 111-rated Licklighter who returns from a 127-day break and was last seen chasing home the classy Felix Desjy in a maiden hurdle at Galway that has produced a couple of subsequent winners.

Dommage Pour Toi is respected following his racecourse debut at Down Royal which yielded a third to Curious Times. Timber House is another to consider after a respectable showing at Punchestown last week.

SELECTION:THE RED MENACE

Next best: Licklighter

3.10 TRM KURASYN 360X HANDICAP HURDLE 2M

Curley Bill is a speculative choice. It is over five years since he last ran over hurdles but he showed on the flat last season that he still retains plenty of ability as evidenced by his victory over 1m2f at Naas and his creditable sixth in a premier 1m4f handicap at Galway. An absence since August is of no concern as he has previously run well off a break as he showed when coming back from two years off to win at Naas last year. He was shaping up to be a useful sort when he last ran over hurdles and he runs here off 120 having previously been rated 132.

Ming Dynasty put it all together to win nicely at Naas last weekend when he showed the benefit of a recent wind procedure to finish out his race much better than had previously been the case. He is a contender off a 9lb-higher mark. Polished Steel and Silver Star are two others that could show up well.

SELECTION: CURLEY BILL

Next best: Ming Dynasty

15:45 LEOPARDSTOWN MEMBERSHIP BEGINNERS CHASE 2M 4F

This could provide Aint Dunne Yet with compensation for his unlucky exit at Fairyhouse last weekend where he jumped the final fence upsides the leader Dakota Moirette only to get tangled up in the latter’s fall which caused him to part company with his jockey and rob him of a certain success. He also showed some reasonable placed form over fences last season and he deserves to win over fences.

Carter McKay was a useful type in bumpers and over hurdles but he has been disappointing over fences. His fifth to Real Steel at Fairyhouse in late January was a respectable run and he would be entitled to some consideration on that effort. The capable hurdler Mastermind isn’t one to dismiss on his chasing debut.

SELECTION: AINT DUNNE YET

Next best: Carter McKay

16:15 TRI EQUESTRIAN HANDICAP CHASE (GRADE B) 2M 5F

Monatomic can build on a fine run in defeat at Naas last weekend where he produced his best effort over fences so far to chase home Poker Party in a valuable novice handicap over 2m 4f. The slightly longer trip of this race will be fine for the six-year-old and he should also be able to cope with a 5lb rise in the weights.He will enjoy the sound surface.

The top-weight Jett isn’t the easiest to predict but at his best he would certainly be able to make his presence felt. He wasn’t at his best behind Real Steel at Thurles last week but his previous fourth to Tout Est Permis in a Grade 2 at that track represents a solid effort.

Dakota Moirette would be of interest on the form of his penultimate effort over an extended 2m at this track.

SELECTION: MONATOMIC

Next best: Jett

4.50 ADARE MANOR OPPORTUNITY HANDICAP CHASE 2M 5F 60YDS

On his return to fences for the first time in almost a year, The Church Gate is likely to take beating. The eight-year-old is chasing a hat-trick after winning a 2m4f handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse in November before following up in fine style here at Christmas. He looks by far the most progressive runner in the line up and is chosen ahead of School Lane who could represent the biggest danger if he returns to the form of his second to Cresus De Grissay at Down Royal in January.

SELECTION: THE CHURCH GATE

Next best: School Lane

5.20 THE TRI EQUESTRIAN SUPERSTORE & CAFE (PRO/AM) FLAT RACE 2M

Soviet Pimpernel can make a winning debut. Jamie Codd is a notable booking for this Peter Fahey inmate and this gelding is an own-brother to the smart Elusive Belle.

Dewcup, who will be ridden by Patrick Mullins, is out of a smart staying flat mare who has already produced dual-purpose winner Minnie Dahill. Sixshooter commands respect as a son of the excellent sire Well Chosen and he is an own-brother to his trainer’s smart mare Shes A Star.

SELECTION: SOVIET PIMPERNEL

Next best: Dewcup