John O’Riordan

12.35 MEATH FARM MACHINERY HANDICAP HURDLE 2M 6F

Sir Ector took an eternity to translate his ability on the level to hurdling but finally appears to have done so. A former November Handicap winner, he struggled in his early attempts at jumping but looked a different proposition on his last three starts. A win on heavy ground at Sligo was sandwiched in between two second placed finishes. He should be able to account for this opposition and continue his climb up the handicap.

Icantsay looks the chief danger having improved markedly over fences during the summer. He now returns to hurdles off a much lower rating, one which gives him a real chance here. A strong stayer, he may not have the class of the McKenna horse but he will exploit any chinks in that horse’s armour and take full advantage.

SELECTION: SIR ECTOR

Next best: Icantsay

1.10 FOR AUCTION NOVICE HURDLE (GRADE 3) 2M

Mengli Khan stepped up on the promise of his first two Irish starts when readily accounting for a maximum field over course and distance last time out. A 96-rated handicapper when trained in Britain by Hugo Palmer, he looks set to make an even better hurdler this winter. Although facing no easy task against a number of similarly rated opponents, he could have a slight edge in class. The stiff unhill finish should also bring out the best in this thorough stayer.

Stratum made a hugely pleasing Irish debut at Galway in September, a run that entitles him to serious consideration now. Willie Mullins has an army of novices from which to choose from so the fact he relies on this four-year-old must surely be of some significance. If anything is to prove the horses downfall it may well be lack of experience over flights.

SELECTION: MENGLI KHAN

Next best: Stratum

1.40 LISMULLEN HURDLE (GRADE 2) 2M 4F

Apple’s Jade was the leading racemare in training last season, winning the mares’ hurdles at both Cheltenham and Punchestown respectively. Connections are lightly to lean towards a repeat bid for those prizes this year, although the mare looks capable of playing a major role in the Champion Hurdle itself. Provided she is fit enough for this seasonal debut then she should prove far too strong.

Jer’s Girl is on a retrieval mission here having disappointed at Tipperary on her most recent outing. Before that she had been an easy winner of a flat maiden at Roscommon. On her very best form she is capable of putting it up to Apple’s Jade, especially given her race fitness. If there is to be an upset then she is the one most likely to provide it.

SELECTION: APPLE’S JADE

Next best: Jer’s Girl

2.10 THETOTE.COM FORTRIA CHASE (GRADE 2) 2M

Alisier D’Irlande has a fantastic record at this track, which is ideally suited to his bold front-running style. He only has a small field to contend with on this occasion so should be able to boss proceedings from the outset.

He is a solid jumper who excels on testing ground and as a lightly raced individual he has more scope than anything else in the contest. Andy Lynch looks set for a pillar-to-post success here.

The Game Changer always runs his race in these graded contests and has to be considered once again. He just falls short at the highest level but has earned connections plenty of prize money over the years. One would expect him to run to his mark here, something that cannot be said about one or two of the remainder.

SELECTION: ALISIER D’IRLANDE

Next best: The Game Changer

2.45 IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF BEGINNERS CHASE 2M 1F

Footpad is a genuine Grade 1 horse who just fell below the very top level over hurdles. Fourth in a Champion Hurdle, he was also placed in both a Triumph Hurdle and Punchestown Stayers’ Hurdle. It would be no surprise to see him progress to become a better horse over fences, so this chasing debut is certainly something to savour. He looks head and shoulders above this opposition and should easily be good enough to make a winning debut.

Brelade was rated 143 over hurdles; almost a stone below Footpad. However, he does have the advantage of two previous starts over fences (second on both occasions) so can call on that experience. He is perfectly poised to pick up the pieces should the Mullins runner fail to fire but in truth he should struggle otherwise.

SELECTION: FOOTPAD

Next best: Brelade

3.20 ST JOHANN SKI RESORT TIROL AUSTRIA HANDICAP HURDLE 2M

Our Boy Boru has been off the track since December but holds a leading chance if ready for this assignment. A course and distance maiden hurdle winner last year, he ran with credit on both subsequent starts. Despite his consistent form figures he remains well handicapped and would be a confident pick here but for the fitness concerns. The betting market should provide a better indication as to his chances.

Black Zero was second over fences at Galway recently and must enter calculations now. He is most likely a better chaser than hurdler but has been placed off his current mark and this isn’t a particularly strong contest. The ground will be very much to his liking and he has built up a very successful association with Mark Enright.

SELECTION: OUR BOY BORU

Next best: Black Zero

3.50 KEVIN BELL REPATRIATION TRUST (PRO/AM) FLAT RACE 2M

Invincible Cave was an easy winner on his sole point-to-point start at Bartlemy in May and looks the one to be on now.

Gordon Elliott has emerged as a serious force in bumper races in recent seasons and anything he runs is deserving of the upmost respect. This particular gelding, by Court Cave, appears a straightforward type who will most likely be sent to the front from flagfall.

Jammy George represents leading owners who has become more involved in the game in recent times.

Patrick Mullins is a significant booking for the Thomas Cooper-trained youngster and market support would be particularly informative.

SELECTION: INVINCIBLE CAVE

Next best: Jammy George

Morgiana winners

LAST week’s edition (page B4) contained a competition for Unibet Morgiana Hurdle day and the main winner was Tom O’Meara from Cashel. The eight runners-up were Celine Coughlan, Tom Forde, David McGrath, Pat Twomey, Susan Bates, John Coughlan, Sally Cooney and Tom Curtis.

Thanks to all who entered and to Unibet for the super prizes.