John O’Riordan

1.50 AT THE RACES MAIDEN HURDLE 2M

Mengli Khan made a very encouraging hurdling debut when second at Fairyhouse in January (race winner later finished fourth in Triumph Hurdle) before slightly disappointing at the same venue on his next start.

That latter race was in Grade 3 company so he will appreciate the drop in class here on his first run since February. Provided he is fit to do himself justice, then he can lose his maiden tag at the third attempt.

Santiago De Cuba was an impressive winner of a Killarney bumper on his racecourse debut in July. The J.P. McManus-owned four-year-old was unable to follow up on his next appearance but remains an exciting prospect.

Selection: MENGLI KHAN

Next best: Santiago De Cuba

2.20 NORTHERN IRELAND CHILDREN’S HOSPICE IRISH EBF HANDICAP HURDLE 2M

Fiesole has been a revelation for connections all summer, winning four races between hurdles and flat. He continues to rise in the ratings but may just have another win in him here. A difficult horse to get away from, he should be followed until beaten.

Roachdale House has been in tremendous form over hurdles of late and looks a serious threat. Paul Flynn’s charge needs to be held up for a late challenge and the return of Keith Donoghue (partnered him to success at Sligo) to the plate is a major positive for his chances now.

Selection: FIESOLE

Next best: Roachdale House

2.55 MEATH FARM MACHINERY HURDLE 2M 6F

Moulin A Vent looks the class act in this small field and should prove too strong for the opposition. Although absent from the racecourse since Punchestown in April, that is rarely a concern with runners from this yard. He is a proven graded performer taking on lesser rivals so class should shine through.

Jaime Sommers doesn’t have the best of win records but has plenty in her favour at these weights so should be capable of going very close. A winner at Kilbeggan earlier this month, she was still in with every chance when unseating at Galway last time.

Selection: MOULIN A VENT

Next best: Jaime Sommers

3.30 SEQUENCE EVENTS HANDICAP HURDLE 2M 6F

Swingbridge is hard to get away from here. Unbeaten in three starts since joining Gordon Elliott, the nine-year-old won off a mark of 107 over fences at Kilbeggan last time. Returning to hurdles off a 8Ibs lower mark, he jumps off the page now and is taken to continue his unbeaten run for Elliott.

Meadow Cross was a good winner at Clonmel last time so has to be respected, given her connections, but there has to be a slight concern about her ability to handle the softer conditions.

Selection: SWINGBRIDGE

Next best: Meadow Cross

4.05 EMERALD FACILITY SERVICES BEGINNERS CHASE 2M 4F

Call The Taxie is a lightly raced gelding who has always promised to make a nice chaser. A former point-to-point winner, he was placed on every run under rules, before finally winning his maiden hurdle at Thurles in February. Off the track since then, he is sure to be well schooled in preparation for this first start over fences.

A Sizing Network never really lived up to his initial promise but has been placed on numerous occasions so has more experience than most of his rivals. He could yet make up for lost time so is given another chance to show what he is capable of.

Selection: CALL THE TAXIE

Next best: A Sizing Network

4.40 AT THE RACES HANDICAP CHASE 2M 4F

Cocktails At Dawn won three times for Nicky Henderson but never developed into the horse many thought he should be. Now making his first start for Gordon Elliott, he looks well handicapped off a mark some 20lbs below his very best. It wouldn’t be the first time Elliott has found the key to a horse who has lost his way, so any market support should be noted.

The Winkler is a real tough dual-purpose performer and ran one of his better races when second in a Grade B handicap at Killarney last time. A reproduction should see him go very close in what appears a weak affair.

Selection: COCKTAILS AT DAWN

Next best: The Winkler

5.10 MEATH FARM MACHINERY (PRO/AM) FLAT RACE 2M

Turanga Lilly is a token choice in a finale which offers nothing in the way of previous form. Trainer Gordon Elliott runs two in this race so this may not even be his first string. However, the filly does have a very nice pedigree, being a half-sister to six winners, including some with enough speed to score over 12f on the flat.

Moonlight Escape, the second Elliott runner, has the assistance of Nina Carberry in the saddle. Another filly, she is difficult to evaluate but is put forward as the chief danger to her stablemate.

Selection: TURANGA LILLY

Next best: Moonlight Escape