2.15 IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF MARES MAIDEN HURDLE 2M

Our Valentina sets a fair standard in this opening contest, although she is certainly vulnerable to an unexposed hurdler.

Having been placed at Ayr on her latest two starts, she now takes her chance back home, in what on paper at least, appears a weak affair. The experience she gained on her travels will be of obvious benefit now and it may just be strong enough to see her prevail.

Jeremy’s Joy heads a host of ex-flat horses who could do well if taking to this discipline. Keith Clarke’s five-year-old ran well over course and distance on her stable debut and is entitled to come on from that run.

Her liking for heavy ground is well known and provided she stays the trip she can make her toe count in the latter stages.

Selection : OUR VALENTINA

Next best: Jeremy’s Joy

2.50 ANNUAL FAMILY DAY 20TH MAY (C&G)MAIDEN HURDLE 2M

Coeur Joyeux remains a maiden over hurdles but has done little wrong and deserves to get his turn here. Placed more often than not, the J.P. McManus-owned gelding has come up against some useful types and has always acquitted himself well. This is perhaps the easier opportunity he has had in some time. The drop in trip may also work in his favour, as well the addition of headgear.

Kolumbus boasts a similar profile to the selection, having finished second on his last three starts. Willie Mullins’ runner was a beaten favourite at Naas last time and those that supported him on that occasion may well do so again. Ruby Walsh retains the ride and the partnership look certain to be involved.

Selection: COEUR JOYEUX

Next best: Kolumbus

3.25 KILBERRY RESTAURANT HANDICAP HURDLE 2M

Benkei is a high-class performer on the level, racing with credit in listed and Group 3 contests. He has always promised to make a decent hurdler and was initially bought with that intention in mind. However, given his rapid progress on the flat, he is something of a latecomer to the jumping game. Nonetheless, he has caught the eye on each of his first three starts and looks capable of better now pitched into handicap company. While he might find things happening a little too fast on his initial handicap start, his undoubted class may see him through.

Hareth ran a huge race on his first start for Charles Byrnes at Naas in February. He was slightly disappointing when sent off favourite at Limerick a month later but was probably entitled to bounce. He could be a real threat now if back to his best and ready to go. The market should provide a good guide as to his chances.

Selection: BENKEI

Next best: Hareth

4.00 NAVAN MEMBERS HANDICAP HURDLE 2M6F

Oscar Knight looks very well treated over hurdles, on a mark some 20lbs below his current chase rating. The eight-year-old probably hasn’t won as often as his talent suggests but jumping has sometimes been an issue.

He has yet to win over this trip but appears to stay further. Proven over this track and in big fields, he looks to have been found the perfect opportunity to add to his tally here.

Pause And Ponder landed a gamble over this course and distance in December and later followed-up over fences. Despite being raised in the handicap, he remains fairly treated and can be competitive. Trainer Robert Tyner has his string in great heart at present.

Selection: OSCAR KNIGHT

Next best: Pause And Ponder

4.35 FOLLOW NAVAN ON TWITTER BEGINNERS CHASE 2M4F

Balbir Du Mathan might be capable of continuing the good recent run of the Alan Fleming stable. A winner over hurdles in France, this intermediate distance looks to be his best trip and he found the going too tough when down the field in the Kim Muir last time. Returned to a more suitable level now, he can get off the mark over fences.

Crest would have plenty to find with the Fleming runner if this was a handicap. Having won his maiden hurdle over this track in March, he returned to finish second over fences in December. Lightly raced with the potential to do better over fences, he has the assistance of Bryan Cooper in the plate.

Selection: BALBIR DU MATHAN

Next best: Crest

5.10 FOLLOW NAVAN ON FACEBOOK HANDICAP CHASE 2M4FWhatareudoingtome has yet to recapture last seasons best form but has shaped with promise on a couple of occasions. Although he may prefer a slightly longer trip, the stiff uphill finish here can play to his strengths. The testing ground will make this more of a test and he can use this to his advantage.

Who’s That arrives here in good form, having won over hurdles at Leopardstown last time. Despite being rated much higher over fences, the mare has run well in recent times and should give another good account. Her proven liking for this distance is another plus in her favour.

Selection: WHATAREUDOINGTOME

Next best: Who’s That

5.40 IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF MARES (PRO/AM) FLAT RACE 2M

Redhotfillypeppers made a winning racecourse debut at Punchestown in December. She missed the festival in favour of a mares’ listed bumper at Sandown, in which she finished sixth. Connections have reached for a first-time hood. If taking to the headgear, she could shine.

Shimmers Rock got off the mark at the first time of asking when successful at Gowran Park in February. The form of that race has been franked since and she arrives here with every chance.

Selection: REDHOTFILLYPEPPERS

Next best: Shimmers Rock