2.00 BAR 1 Betting “Best Odds Guaranteed Overnight In-Shop & Online” Maiden Hurdle 2m 3f 109yd
Dual bumper winner Colcannon can make the breakthrough over hurdles. A Grade 2 winner last season, the Noel Meade-trained gelding ended the season with a highly creditable third in the Champion Bumper at Punchestown.
A promising second on his hurdling debut on his reappearance, he failed to build on that effort at Navan last time. However, given his general overall profile, he looks the one to beat.
Healys Pub, who shaped with plenty of promise when fifth on his hurdling debut at Naas in January, was far from disgraced when runner-up to a smart sort last time.
SELECTION: COLCANNON
Next Best: Healys Pub
2.30 Grade 3 BAR 1 Betting “Better Prices On Self-Service Betting
Terminals” Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle 2m 7yd
The Noel Meade-trained Blake appears to hold strong claims. The October Handicap winner has improved with each subsequent start over flights. A maiden victor at Down Royal in November, the Zoffany gelding was narrowly denied in the Royal Bond, before finishing fifth in a Grade 1 at the DRF.
Victorious on his first three runs under rules, the Willie Mullins-trained Davy Crockett was unable to continue that progression when down the field in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown recently. Having raced rather keenly on his first appearance since September, the son of Camelot is entitled to be all the better for that experience.
SELECTION: BLAKE
Next Best: Davy Crockett
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At Cheltenham” Handicap Hurdle 2m 7yd
Consistent prior to being pulled up at Fairyhouse, the Ross O’Sullivan-trained Targa Flavio is to be respected. He had valid excuses for that rare below-par run and should also benefit from returning to the minimum trip.
A beaten favourite at Clonmel last time, No Big Deal will need to leave that bare form behind. However, the Charles O’Brien-trained gelding looks fairly handicapped relative to his flat mark and had finally looked to be getting his act together over flights when scoring at that aforementioned track back in October.
SELECTION: TARGA FLAVIO
Next Best: No Big Deal
3.30 BAR 1 Betting “Bet 10 Euros Get 60 Euros Free Bet Welcome Offer” Handicap Hurdle 2m 3f 109yd
Better Times Ahead looks the one to beat back over hurdles. A winner over flights at Fairyhouse in November, the form of that contest was well advertised by the placed horses subsequently. Just touched off in a Grade 3 chase last time, the Robert Tyner-trained gelding is well treated off an 18lb lower mark here.
Runner-up here over the minimum trip last time, Catch The Beast should benefit from stepping back up in distance. Only caught close home in that latter contest, the Edward Cawley-trained eight-year-old should give his running once again.
SELECTION: BETTER TIMES AHEAD
Next Best: Catch The Beast
4.02 Listed BAR 1 Betting Leinster National Handicap Chase 3m 174yd
Successful in a similar grade here recently, Goraibhmaithagat can follow up. Undeniably well handicapped then, the Colm Murphy-trained gelding was far from foot-perfect and needed all of Mark Walsh’s urgings to win. Despite being raised 7lb subsequently, the six-year-old could be open to further improvement.
Last year’s winner Bushmans Pass is sure to have been laid out for a repeat bid. Local trainer Oliver McKiernan likes to target this meeting and anything he runs has to be respected.
SELECTION: GORAIBHMAITHAGAT
Next Best: Bushmans Pass
4.37 BAR 1 Betting “Download Our App For Cheltenham Rewards”
Beginners Chase 2m 4f 29yd
Runner-up on chasing debut in December, Ballygunner Castle was still in front when falling four out back at that same track last time. One of the best of these over flights, the Willie Mullins-trained gelding has to be a leading contender with a clear round.
Although well beaten on his chasing debut, Supersundae can step forward. A maiden hurdle winner a couple of years back, the gelding subsequently finished runner-up in a Grade 1 novice hurdle.
Despite disappointing at the highest level after, the fact he was deemed good enough to run in those suggests he is a smart performer.
SELECTION: BALLYGUNNER CASTLE
Next Best: Supersundae
5.12 BAR 1 Casino “Slot Games & Live Casino” Mares (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race 2m 7yd
Thurles bumper winner Kiltybo can continue the excellent start made by Conor Houlihan. A promising fifth on rules debut at that same venue before Christmas, she showed the full benefits of that experience when opening her account last time. With the potential to do even better here, the five-year-old is given the nod.
Willie Mullins’ sole representative Poetisa was a bumper winner for previous connections and has twice taken minor honours over hurdles. Making the switch back to bumpers here, the five-year-old must be giving the right signals at home.
SELECTION: KILTYBO
Next Best: Poetisa