2.45 John Lynch Memorial Maiden Hurdle 2m
The Henry de Bromhead-trained Trubshaw should be hard to beat on his hurdling debut. A decent handicapper on the flat, the four-year-old has long given the impression that he could make up into a nice hurdler. It will be disappointing if he can’t prove that here on a track which should suit his prominent racing style.
Although well beaten when second at Kilbeggan last time, Blue Johnl rates the main danger. With an official rating of 100, the John Ryan-trained gelding sets the standard amongst those with previous form over flights.
SELECTION: TRUBSHAW
Next best: Blue Johnl
3.21 Allman Contracts Novice Hurdle 2m 4f
Roc Dino may provide the answer to a trappy affair. Runner-up to a well regarded sort at Galway last time, the Willie Mullins-trained gelding had previously scored in impressive fashion at Downpatrick. Just about setting the standard with an official rating of 125, it looks significant that Paul Townend elects to ride.
Dad Sez, who stayed on nicely on his rules debut when fifth at Galway, scored easily at Kilbeggan recently. An unexposed six-year-old, the Gordon Elliott-trained representative merits plenty of respect.
SELECTION: ROC DINO
Next best: Dad Sez
3.55 M.J. Carroll ARRO Handicap Hurdle 2m 4f
Locally-owned and trained, Elusive Ogie is sure to have been targeted at this prize. A winner at Bellewstown last time, the five-year-old could be open to further improvement. Placed in the Lartigue Hurdle last year, he has already proven his ability to act around the track.
Sageborough was quietly fancied for the Galway Hurdle but ran disappointingly on the day. Almost certainly better than that bare result suggests, the Paul Nolan-trained gelding deserves another chance.
SELECTION: ELUSIVE OGIE
Next best: Sageborough
4.30 Kathleen Walsh Memorial Handicap Hurdle 2m 6f
Successful over course and distance 12 months ago, Tropical Image can go in again. While that aforementioned win has been her only victory to date, the Eoin McCarthy-trained mare hinted at a return to form when placed over fences at Killarney recently.
Relatively lighted raced for an eight-year-old, Opposite Ends has to be respected. A winner on his penultimate start at Limerick, the Charles Byrnes-trained gelding ran well when fourth over fences on his most recent appearance.
SELECTION: TROPICAL IMAGE
Next best: Opposite Ends
5.05 Charlie Chute Memorial Handicap Chase 2m 6f
Back on the same mark as when winning this race last year, El Champo has to be of interest. The Philip Rothwell-trained gelding failed to add to that win after but shaped with a degree of promise when fourth at Punchestown when last seen. A repeat bid has surely been the plan.
West Away, who ran well in a stronger contest when third at Killarney last time, has to enter calculations. While he does have to prove his stamina at this trip, the Pat Collins-trained gelding was second in a point-to-point.
SELECTION: EL CHAMPO
Next best: West Away
5.35 John & Terry Moriarty Memorial (Q.R.) Handicap Chase 2m 7f 180yd
Runner-up on his first start over fences at Galway last time, Justatan can go one better. A dual point-to-point scorer, the Emmet Mullins-trained gelding is a thorough stayer who will be suited to this trip.
Toor Khov is an infrequent winner but has been in decent form over hurdles of late. John Gleeson, who would have been much sought after in a race of this nature, looks a very significant booking.
SELECTION: JUSTATAN
Next best: Toor Khov
6.05 Listowel Printing Works Slan Abhaile (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race 2m
Green Style can follow up his recent win at Cork for Willie Mullins. Making his stable debut on that occasion, the son of Idaho scored with something to spare. Despite taking on other previous winners in this festival finale, the five-year-old gets the vote.
With Andy Slattery continuing to do exceptionally well with his bumper runners, Iron Sword has to be given serious consideration. A winner at Ballinrobe last time, the four-year-old is open to any amount of improvement.
SELECTION: GREEN STYLE
Next best: Iron Sword