John O’Riordan

12.10 INH STALLION OWNERS EBF MAIDEN HURDLE 2M

Battleford was one of the leading bumper horses in training last season, so all eyes will be on the Mullins horse here on his hurdling debut. An impressive all-the-way winner at Punchestown on his first start under rules, he went on to ran a huge race in the festival bumper at Cheltenham, only going down by the minimum margin. He completed his campaign with another great effort when just denied at Aintree in a Grade 2 contest. He faces some decent types in this race but it will be somewhat of a disappointment should he fail to win at the first time of asking.

Joey Sasa has won his last two starts at Galway and Down Royal respectively and is a very progressive type. The form of that Galway run has been well advertised by the runner-up so he deserves serious consideration now. Noel Meade’s charge also has race fitness on his side.

Selection: BATTLEFORD

Next best: Joey Sasa

12.40 “MONKSFIELD” NOVICE HURDLE (GRADE 3) 2M 4F

Livelovelaugh made a very impressive hurdling debut at Ballinrobe in May, although on form he was entitled to win just as easily as he did. Not disgraced in Grade 1 bumpers at Cheltenham and Punchestown last season, he also won a similar race at the latter track earlier in the year and was just beaten at Fairyhouse. Although he will need to raise his game considerably from his initial run over hurdles, he looks capable of finding another level and will take plenty of beating now.

Death Duty also showed plenty of talent in the bumper ranks last season, including when winning a listed race at this track. He made a winning start over jumps when successful at Roscommon last month and heads a host of potential dangers.

Selection: LIVELOVELAUGH

Next best: Death Duty

1.15 DAVIS CIVIL ENGINEERING HANDICAP HURDLE 2M

Concordin had been gradually returning to form after a layoff, before getting back on the winning trail at Wexford last time. That latter success was over fences and he now reverts to hurdling off what appears a fair rating. Barry Geraghty takes over in the saddle here, which be well be a hint it itself. A former course and distance, this track should suit and he can continue to make up for lost time.

Last Garrison’s only win to date came on the flat at Limerick but he appeals as one who could be well treated. While yet to show his hand over hurdles, the son of Mustameet has run some very good tracks on the level, including twice at this venue. He is improving with every start and could be staying on strongly up that stiff Navan hill.

Selection: CONCORDIN

Next best: Last Garrison

1.45 IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF BEGINNERS CHASE 2M 1F

Min was a real talking horse last season and lived up to expectations as the year wore on. Having arrived from France with a huge reputation, he was favourite for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle before even making his Irish debut. Following two easy wins at Punchestown, the Mullins runner arrived at the Cheltenham Festival as one of the Irish bankers. Although he could only manage second in his chosen race, he retained his reputation and offered plenty of hope for a chasing career. It will be exciting to see him try and make all in this big field and he could well make it a great afternoon for his stable.

Squouateur was a very useful handicap hurdler last season, running big races at both Cheltenham and Aintree. He always gave the impression that he was on a favourable mark and could even make the jump into graded class given time.

There was much to like about his recent chasing debut at this track earlier in the month and he only needs to progress a little further.

Selectiom: MIN

Next best: Squouateur

2.20 LADBROKES TROYTOWN HANDICAP CHASE (GRADE B) 3M

Noble Endeavor ran a very pleasing race in the Lismullen Hurdle here on his seasonal return and should be at his peak now for this big pot. Gordon Elliott has done well with his runners in this race over the last few seasons and it seems likely that runner has had the contest as his target for some time. Despite being very lightly raced, he has run with credit at the last two Cheltenham Festivals and remains on a very competitive mark. If one horse in the field is likely to prove well treated it could well be this one and he should certainly be good enough to make the frame with a clear round of jumping.

Sambremont won a Grade 2 novice chase over the course last season and was fancied to go close in the Kim Muir Chase at Cheltenham. He ran a little better than his final placing suggests in that later race and is another who has probably had the Troytown on his agenda for some time. Connections alone deserve serious respect in a race of this nature and he appeals as a live contender.

Selection: NOBLE ENDEAVOR

Next best: Sambremont

2.50 PROUDSTOWN HANDICAP HURDLE (GRADE B) 2M 6F

The Crafty Butcher is a very interesting runner on his first start for the Willie Mullins stable. Formerly trained in this country by Michael Hourigan, he won four races over both codes, before being sold to race in Britain.

After winning two of his three points, he finished down the field under rules at Uttoxeter before being bought by current connections. He has dropped 2lb below his last winning mark and Ruby Walsh has partnered him to success previously.

Mr Boss Man shaped encouragingly at Naas over shorter last time and is one who could find further improvement at this longer trip. A winner over 2m on the flat, the distance should suit him and recent runs suggest his turn is close. In a very competitive handicap he is put forward as one of the more likely dangers to the selection.

Selection: THE CRAFTY BUTCHER

Next best: Mr Boss Man

3.20 COOLMORE N.H. SIRES EBF MARES FLAT RACE (LISTED) 2M

Glens Harmony made a very nice debut in a similar race when staying on for third at Punchestown in April. The daughter of King’s Theatre put that initial experience to good use and got off the mark on her second start a month later. Absent since then, she should be fit and ready for this assignment and looks capable of a big showing.

Baby Twig was a hugely impressive debut winner at Punchestown last month and it is impossible to say how good she could be. The manner of that first success was certainly impressive and, if she arrives here in similar form, she will take some beating.

Selection: GLENS HARMONY

Next best: Baby Twig