Ryan McElligott

1.50 LAWLOR’S HOTEL

NOVICE HURDLE

(GRADE 1) 2M 4F

Anibale Fly: Very promising sort in bumpers last season when he followed up a debut second with victories at Navan and in a decent winner’s contest at Fairyhouse.

Plenty to like about his successful debut over hurdles at Navan last month and can do much better, especially over this trip. A bold showing is expected.

Bellshill: Steadily progressed into a top class bumper horse last term, ending his season with a Grade 1 triumph at Punchestown, and looks set to be even better over timber. He followed a smooth maiden hurdle win at Cork with a dominant Grade 2 win over Tycoon Prince in a Navan Grade 2 last month. That is the strongest form on offer and ensures that he will take plenty of beating.

Last Encounter: Won a maiden hurdle over this trip at Wexford in the summer and has since bettered that form. His third to Falcon Crest in a Navan in Grade 2 and a second to Gangster over 3m at Fairyhouse represent solid efforts but he will have to do better still here.

Stone Hard: Smart dual bumper winner whose career over hurdles got off to a bright start when he accounted for some useful types in a Gowran maiden in November. Early casualty in the Navan Grade 2 won by Bellshill at Navan last time and will need to be at the top of his game to topple his stablemate here.

Marakoush: Capable 90-rated flat runner who has shaped up nicely on his initial runs over hurdles. His second in a Naas maiden in November was promising and he then dominated from the front a fortnight later when handing out a 12l beating to Road To Respect in a 2m 4f maiden at Punchestown.

Looks well worth his place in this company and warrants respect with conditions firmly in his favour.